The Economic Geology of Iran - Mineral Deposits and Natrual Resources PDF

Springer Geology
Mansour Ghorbani
The Economic
Geology of Iran
Mineral Deposits and Natural Resources
Springer Geology
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Mansour Ghorbani
The Economic Geology

of Iran
Mineral Deposits and Natural Resources
Mansour Ghorbani
Faculty of Geoscience
Shahid Beheshti University
Tehran, Iran
ISBN 978-94-007-5624-3 ISBN 978-94-007-5625-0 (eBook)

DOI 10.1007/978-94-007-5625-0
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Preface
If the heart does not recognize the value of the passing time
and stall
Our only harvest will be embarrassment through the lifetime for all
Hafez (Iranian Poet, 1325–1389 A.D.)
Mineral exploration, extraction and production in Iran dates back to about 4000 B.C.
Ever since not only our knowledge about minerals and developing mines has
improved, but the diversity of the discovered mineral deposits has increased and
their utilization potentials have been amplified. Taking into account the ancient his-
tory of mining and the multiplicity of mineral deposits in the country, one expects
that the mining sector of the country plays a pivotal role in the economy; neverthe-
less, it is not so because of the dominance of the petroleum industry in the country’s
macro economy.
In geology and mining circles and among many foreigners, the common belief is
that Iran is undiscovered and untouched in terms of exploration and mining.
However, existence of 5,000 dynamic mineral production units extracting over 60
different types of minerals and rocks, some dating back to thousands of years, point
to the contrary.
Notwithstanding, what remains unknown about the active 5,000 mining sites of
the country are their exact composition, mode and time of formation, host rocks,
associated minerals, configuration and dimensions, and the amount of reserves.
Frustration increases when we learn that comprehensive data on mining activities
carried out in world-famous mineral reserves. Most countries that are poor in terms
of natural riches invest heavily in mineral exploration and, following a minor find,
invest even more to determine its potentials and feasibility.
Knowledge of surface deposits in our country is relatively good and acceptable
due to a long history of mining activity, lack of dense vegetation cover, extensive
surface exploration studies carried out in the past 50 years, and the role of non-
experts in claiming rights of mineral territories; the last factor being the main reason
for the need of information about mineral deposits. Withal, this does not mean that
vi Preface
all surface reserves are known. The most immediate need of the country is to
acknowledge the small and scattered surface indications and estimate their amount
of reserves.
Few countries of the world have such a variety of surface exposure of natural
resources as Iran. The country has an important position within many domains such
as mineral reserves, energy resources and natural attractions. This natural richness
and climatic-morphological diversity on one hand and the ancient civilization on the
other form the foundation of Iran’s social and economic activities leading to a socio-
cultural diversity.
This book manuscript is an attempt to prioritize Iran’s natural riches and is
intended to present a wide-spectrum illustration of its mineral resources in order to
provide the international scientific and academic community, all real and legal per-
sons of economic interests, investors, and global enterprises, with helpful informa-
tion on the economic geology of Iran. Although the audience is considered to
comprise of geologists, miners, and perhaps international mining and economic
institutions, the main objective is to introduce Iran’s mineral reserves and natural
resources to the international community with vested interest in Iran’s resources and
its mining industry.
Iran’s Economic Geology book is primarily a synopsis of the country’s geologi-
cal, natural and climatic features, its mining history, mineral resources, mining
potentials as well as an overview of its other natural resources as energy and water.
Chapter 1 covers the general characteristics of Iran’s nature, climate and its bio-
diversity; a summary of the geology of Iran is presented in Chap. 2; the third chapter
refers to history of mining and early mining skills; Chap. 4 denotes different metal-
logenic and mineralization phases through geological periods in Iran; Chap. 5 states
metallogeny and distribution of mineral resources; metallogenic and mining prov-
inces, belts, and zones of Iran are described in Chap. 6 while the next chapter pro-
vides a description about the position of Iranian mining industry in the world; energy
resources, production, and consumption in Iran vis-à-vis those in the world are pre-
sented in Chap. 8; the final chapter points out a complete list of mineral deposits and
indications of Iran with their metallogenic attributes.
One of my lasting wishes was to create an encyclopedia on Iran’s natural
resources in order to demonstrate at the national and international level the coun-
try’s natural mineral resources, energy resources, state of forests and rangelands,
water resources, and natural attractions. Typically such a book should be written by
a team of skillful experts and scholars and one or more governmental organization
should sponsor it, by providing logistics and references, thus helping the expert
team in its formulation. Unfortunately, I did not find such support by any organiza-
tion or agency willing to sponsor it and, therefore, decided to write the book The
Economic Geology of Iran singlehandedly with my own limited scientific expertise
and funds by carrying out surveys and field visits across Iran over the years collect-
ing the results of former studies, bearing all costs personally. Consequently, the
book might be rife with many shortcomings, the most prominent being that it has
been developed by only one person who was guilty on his neck for wishing and still
Preface vii
having such a wish to carry on such work. The passion and love that drove me to a
point as described by Hafez:
I am the servant of the house of wisdom for so lengthy
Even though I have nothing comparing to the wealthy
Apart from noted imperfections, this book presents comprehensive information

about Iran’s general geography, climate and geology, its mineral, energy and water
resources, and their historical applications; it is a true reflection of Iran’s economic
geology, its mineral and natural resources. The book is the harvest of 25 years of my
study and research in field, travelling through mineral and natural resources across
my country. This book is a small gift to all who promote a prosperous, free, and
peaceful world for all mankind.
In preparing the manuscript I confronted countless difficulties that include:
• Diversity, abundance, and scattered distribution of minerals and mining indica-
tions in Iran. Though they are endowments and should be considered as valuable
assets, their survey necessitates collaboration from all stakeholder individuals
and organizations, the opportunity which the author was denied of.
• Sporadic distribution of information, especially the metallogenic data and the
results of recent explorations.
• Lack of descriptive information even about the most known and important
deposits.
• Lack of a repository where all mining related reports and researches could be
found.
• Unavailability of reports on exploration carried out by mining engineers consult-
ing offices.
• Archiving of information in organizations and places unfamiliar to experts.
In order to overcome the above difficulties I tried to keep track of reports on min-
ing exploration, during visits to the mining indications and deposits as much as
possible, and later on compare and integrate them with my own findings. It is hoped
that with thoughtful future teamwork the unknowns about Iran’s deposits will be
further clarified.
I would like to take this opportunity to express my cordial gratitude and apprecia-
tion to those individuals who have helped me during different stages of this endeavor.
I am indebted to Dr. A. Kani, Assistant Professor of Geology, Shahid Beheshti
University (Tehran, Iran) and Peyman Tajbakhsh, project manager at Pars Geological
Research Center (Arian Zamin) for translation of the Persian text of the book into
English. Special thanks are due to Mohsen Iranmanesh, administrative manager and
head of publications section at Pars Geological Research Center (Arian Zamin) who
has tirelessly worked on typing the manuscript and drafting of the figures.
Lastly, I would like to end this introduction by a translation of a piece from con-
temporary Iranian poet Houshang Ebtehaj, which best describes my emotions:
What do you think?
The world is like a broken mirror, where even a straight pine tree, looks broken to you;
viii Preface
The sitting mountains ambushing sunset narrow valleys makes the roads seem close;
Don’t measure Time’s infinite shorelines with our lives’ steps!
Our pains and sorrows are only an instant for it.
Like river that towards the downhill, strike the stone with his head, flow forward;
There is no hope that a dead accomplish a miracle;
Be alive!
Mansour Ghorbani
Contents
1 Nature of Iran and Its Climate ................................................................ 1

1.1 Location, Boundaries, and Surface Area ......................................... 1
1.2 Administrative Division ................................................................... 2
1.3 Iranian Plateau ................................................................................. 2
1.3.1 Trend of Iranian Plateau Transformation ........................... 5
1.4 Physiography.................................................................................... 8
1.4.1 Physiographic Division ...................................................... 8
1.5 Vegetation ........................................................................................ 13
1.5.1 Caspian Floral Province ..................................................... 14
1.5.2 Zagros Floral Province ....................................................... 14
1.5.3 Iran’s Central Plateau Floral Province ............................... 14
1.5.4 Southern Coastal Plains Floral Province ............................ 15
1.6 Summarized Facts About Vegetation Cover .................................... 15
1.7 Weather Systems .............................................................................. 16
1.7.1 Air Pressure and Wind Flow in Different Season .............. 16
1.7.2 Precipitation ....................................................................... 17
1.7.3 Average Annual Rainfall .................................................... 19
1.7.4 Characteristics of Rainfall in Iranian Plateau..................... 19
1.7.5 Genesis of Dry and Wet Weather Cycles ........................... 19
1.8 Aves .................................................................................................. 20
1.9 Mammals.......................................................................................... 21
1.10 Mountains ........................................................................................ 21
1.10.1 Northern Mountain Ranges ................................................ 22
1.10.2 Zagros Mountains............................................................... 23
1.10.3 Central Mountains .............................................................. 23
1.10.4 Eastern Mountains.............................................................. 24
1.11 Seas .................................................................................................. 24
1.11.1 Caspian Sea ........................................................................ 24
1.11.2 Persian Gulf........................................................................ 25
1.11.3 Oman Sea (Makran Sea) .................................................... 26
ix
x Contents
1.12 Lakes ................................................................................................ 26

1.13 Watersheds ....................................................................................... 29
1.14 Rivers ............................................................................................... 29
1.14.1 Caspian Sea Category ........................................................ 30
1.14.2 Persian Gulf Category ........................................................ 31
1.15 Deserts.............................................................................................. 33
2 A Summary of Geology of Iran................................................................ 45
2.1 Structural Divisions of Iran .............................................................. 45
2.1.1 Central Iran......................................................................... 47
2.1.2 Sanandaj–Sirjan.................................................................. 47
2.1.3 Zagros................................................................................. 47
2.1.4 Alborz................................................................................. 50
2.1.5 Azerbaijan .......................................................................... 51
2.1.6 Eastern Iran ........................................................................ 52
2.1.7 Southeastern Iran (Makran)................................................ 53
2.1.8 Kopet Dagh ........................................................................ 53
2.2 Ophiolite Series and Ultramafic Rocks of Iran ................................ 53
2.3 Basement Rocks ............................................................................... 54
2.4 Summary of Stratigraphy of Iran ..................................................... 55
2.4.1 Precambrian........................................................................ 55
2.4.2 Paleozoic ............................................................................ 55
2.4.3 Mesozoic in Iran................................................................. 56
2.4.4 Tertiary ............................................................................... 57
2.5 Stratigraphic Succession in Various Structural Divisions ................ 57
2.6 Overview of Distribution and Nature of Magmatic
Rocks in Iran .................................................................................... 57
2.6.1 Magmatic Rocks of Upper Precambrian–Lower
Cambrian ............................................................................ 60
2.6.2 Lower Paleozoic ................................................................. 60
2.6.3 Upper Paleozoic ................................................................. 60
2.6.4 Mesozoic ............................................................................ 61
2.6.5 Tertiary ............................................................................... 61
2.7 Structural and Orogenic Events in Iran ............................................ 62
2.7.1 Pan-African ........................................................................ 62
2.7.2 Caledonian.......................................................................... 62
2.7.3 Hercynian ........................................................................... 62
2.7.4 Early Cimmerian ................................................................ 63
2.7.5 Middle Cimmerian ............................................................. 63
2.7.6 Late Cimmerian.................................................................. 63
2.7.7 Laramide ............................................................................ 63
2.7.8 Pyrenean ............................................................................. 63
2.7.9 Pasadenian .......................................................................... 64
Contents xi
3 History of Mining ...................................................................................... 65

3.1 Introduction ........................................................................................ 65
3.2 History of Mining .............................................................................. 67
3.2.1 Hakhamaneshian Period (550 B.C.–330 B.C.) ...................... 67
3.2.2 Seleucid Period (320 B.C.–63 B.C.) ...................................... 68
3.2.3 Arsacid Period (247 B.C.–228 A.D.) ..................................... 68
3.2.4 Sassanid Period (224 A.D.–670 A.D.) ................................... 69
3.2.5 Islamic Era (651 A.D.–1230 A.D.) ........................................ 69
3.2.6 Mughal Era (1230 A.D.–1357 A.D.)...................................... 70
3.2.7 Safavid Period (1501 A.D.–1786 A.D.) ................................. 70
3.2.8 Qajar Period (1794 A.D.–1925 A.D.) .................................... 71
3.2.9 Pahlavi Period (1925 A.D.–1979 A.D.) ................................. 72
3.3 Mining Techniques in Ancient Iran ................................................... 74
3.3.1 Exploration ............................................................................. 74
3.3.2 Exploitation ............................................................................ 74
3.3.3 Processing and Metallurgy ..................................................... 75
3.4 Mining Provinces in Ancient Iran ...................................................... 77
4 Metallogenic and Mineralization Phases of Iran ................................... 79
4.1 Introduction ........................................................................................ 79
4.1.1 Late Proterozoic–Early Cambrian .......................................... 80
4.1.2 Early Paleozoic....................................................................... 81
4.1.3 Late Paleozoic–Triassic.......................................................... 82
4.1.4 Jurassic–Early Cretaceous...................................................... 83
4.1.5 Late Cretaceous–Paleogene (Laramide), Chromite ............... 84
4.1.6 Tertiary–Quaternary (Middle–Late Alpine) ........................... 85
5 Metallogeny and Distribution of Minerals.............................................. 87
5.1 Iron ..................................................................................................... 87
5.1.1 Metallogenic Phases of Iron ................................................... 87
5.1.2 Distribution of Iron Deposits ................................................. 91
5.2 Manganese ......................................................................................... 95
5.2.1 Mineralization Phases of Manganese ..................................... 95
5.2.2 Distribution of Manganese Deposits ...................................... 96
5.3 Chromite ............................................................................................ 97
5.3.1 Metallogenic Phases of Chromite .......................................... 97
5.3.2 Distribution of Chromite Deposits ......................................... 99
5.4 Copper ................................................................................................ 103
5.4.1 Introduction ............................................................................ 103
5.4.2 Copper Alloys ........................................................................ 105
5.4.3 Copper Metallogeny in Iran ................................................... 105
5.4.4 Phases of Copper Mineralization ........................................... 107
5.4.5 Distribution of Copper Deposits in Iran ................................. 108
5.5 Lead and Zinc .................................................................................... 113
5.5.1 Introduction ............................................................................ 113
5.5.2 Metallogenic Phases of Lead and Zinc .................................. 114
xii Contents
5.5.3 Spatial (Geographical) Distribution of Lead–Zinc

Deposits and Indications .................................................... 115
5.5.4 Economically Important Lead–Zinc Deposits ................... 119
5.6 Aluminum ........................................................................................ 119
5.6.1 Introduction ........................................................................ 119
5.6.2 Temporal Settings of Bauxite Deposits .............................. 124
5.6.3 Distribution of Bauxite Deposits ........................................ 125
5.7 Gold.................................................................................................. 132
5.7.1 Introduction ........................................................................ 132
5.7.2 Geological Distribution of Gold Reserves ......................... 135
5.7.3 Geographic Distribution of Gold Deposits ........................ 137
5.8 Antimony, Arsenic, and Mercury..................................................... 141
5.8.1 Mineralization Phases of Antimony, Arsenic,
and Mercury ....................................................................... 141
5.8.2 Distribution of Antimony, Arsenic,
and Mercury Deposits ........................................................ 143
5.9 Nickel and Cobalt ............................................................................ 146
5.9.1 Mineralization Phases of Nickel and Cobalt ...................... 146
5.9.2 Distribution of Nickel and Cobalt Deposits in Iran............ 146
5.10 Titanium ........................................................................................... 147
5.10.1 Mineralization Phases of Titanium in Iran ......................... 147
5.10.2 Distribution of Titanium Deposits in Iran .......................... 148
5.11 Tungsten ........................................................................................... 149
5.11.1 Mineralization Phases of Tungsten .................................... 149
5.11.2 Distribution of Tungsten Deposits in Iran .......................... 150
5.12 Uranium ........................................................................................... 152
5.12.1 Mineralization Phases of Uranium in Iran ......................... 152
5.12.2 Distribution of Uranium Deposits in Iran .......................... 152
5.13 Phosphate ......................................................................................... 153
5.13.1 Introduction ........................................................................ 153
5.13.2 Mineralization Phases of Phosphate Resources
in Iran ................................................................................. 154
5.13.3 Distribution of Phosphate Deposits in Iran ........................ 155
5.14 Talc ................................................................................................... 160
5.14.1 Mineralization Phases of Talc in Iran................................. 160
5.14.2 Distribution of Talc Deposits in Iran .................................. 160
5.15 Mica ................................................................................................. 161
5.15.1 Mineralization Phases of Mica in Iran ............................... 161
5.15.2 Distribution of Mica Deposits in Iran ................................ 162
5.16 Boron and Borax .............................................................................. 165
5.16.1 Mineralization Phases of Borax in Iran.............................. 165
5.16.2 Distribution of Borax Deposits in Iran ............................... 165
5.17 Magnesite ......................................................................................... 165
5.17.1 Mineralization Phases of Magnesite .................................. 166
5.17.2 Distribution of Magnesite Deposits ................................... 166
Contents xiii
5.18 Celestine (Strontium Sulfate) ........................................................... 166

5.18.1 Mineralization Phases of Celestine Deposits in Iran.......... 166
5.18.2 Distribution of Celestine Deposits in Iran .......................... 166
5.19 Barite ................................................................................................ 169
5.19.1 Mineralization Phases of Barite Deposits in Iran............... 169
5.19.2 Distribution of Barite Deposits in Iran ............................... 170
5.20 Feldspar Mineralization ................................................................... 170
5.20.1 Mineralization Phases of Feldspar Deposits ...................... 170
5.20.2 Distribution of Feldspar Deposits of Iran........................... 172
5.21 Rock Salt .......................................................................................... 172
5.21.1 Mineralization Phases of Rock Salt Deposits in Iran ......... 172
5.21.2 Distribution of Rock Salt Deposits in Iran ......................... 172
5.22 Potash Mineralization in Iran ........................................................... 174
5.22.1 Mineralization Phases of Potash Deposits in Iran .............. 174
5.22.2 Distribution of Potash Deposits in Iran .............................. 174
5.23 Silica Mineralization in Iran ............................................................ 174
5.23.1 Mineralization Phases of Silica Deposits in Iran ............... 174
5.23.2 Distribution of Silica Deposits in Iran ............................... 175
5.24 Kaolin and Fireclay .......................................................................... 177
5.24.1 Mineralization Phases of Kaolin and Fireclay
Deposits in Iran .................................................................. 177
5.24.2 Distribution of Kaolin and Fireclay Deposits in Iran ......... 178
5.25 Bentonite .......................................................................................... 181
5.25.1 Introduction ........................................................................ 181
5.25.2 Distribution of Bentonite Deposits in Iran ......................... 181
5.25.3 Specifications of Bentonite Deposits in Iran
and Their Genesis............................................................... 181
5.25.4 Chemical Composition of Bentonite Deposits in Iran ....... 182
5.25.5 Age of Bentonite Deposits in Iran...................................... 184
5.25.6 Environment of Bentonite Deposition................................ 185
5.25.7 Origin and Genesis of Bentonite Deposits in Iran ............. 186
5.25.8 Formation of Bentonite Deposits ....................................... 187
5.26 Diatomite.......................................................................................... 188
5.26.1 Distribution of Diatomite Deposits .................................... 188
5.27 Perlite ............................................................................................... 189
5.27.1 Mineralization Phases of Perlite Deposits in Iran .............. 189
5.27.2 Distribution of Perlite Deposits in Iran .............................. 189
5.28 Dolomite .......................................................................................... 189
5.28.1 Mineralization Phases of Dolomite Deposits in Iran ......... 189
5.28.2 Distribution of Dolomite Deposits in Iran ......................... 190
5.29 Tar and Natural Asphalt ................................................................... 191
5.29.1 Origin of Tar and Natural Asphalt...................................... 191
5.29.2 Distribution of Tar and Natural Asphalt Deposits in Iran....... 192
xiv Contents
5.30 Dimension and Ornamental (Decorative) Stones............................. 192

5.30.1 Standards of Dimension Stones ......................................... 192
5.30.2 Distribution of Dimension Stones ...................................... 195
5.31 Rare Earth Elements (REEs) Resources in Iran ............................... 196
6 Metallogenic and Mining Provinces, Belts and Zones of Iran .............. 199
6.1 Introduction ........................................................................................ 199
6.2 Categorization of Metallogenic and Mining Areas in Iran ................ 200
6.3 Metallogenic Provinces of Iran .......................................................... 202
6.3.1 Central Iran Metallogenic Province ..................................... 202
6.3.2 Urumiyeh–Dokhtar Metallogenic Province ......................... 243
6.3.3 Sanandaj–Sirjan Metallogenic Province .............................. 249
6.3.4 Northeast Metallogenic Province
(Taknar and Kavir–Sabzevar Metallogenic Belts) ............... 257
6.3.5 Alborz Metallogenic Province ............................................. 266
6.3.6 Southeast and East of Iran Metallogenic Province
(Science and Technology Research Institute 1999) ............. 286
6.3.7 Zagros Oil and Gas Province (Motiei 1993) ........................ 294
6.3.8 Kopet–Dagh Natural Gas Province ...................................... 294
7 The Position of Iranian Mining Industry in the World ......................... 297
7.1 Introduction ........................................................................................ 297
7.2 Brief History ...................................................................................... 298
7.3 Mining Activities in Iran .................................................................... 299
7.4 Share of Mining Sector in Iranian Economy ..................................... 299
7.5 Mineral Resources of Iran .................................................................. 307
7.5.1 Iron ....................................................................................... 314
7.5.2 Manganese............................................................................ 314
7.5.3 Chromium (Chromite).......................................................... 314
7.5.4 Molybdenum ........................................................................ 316
7.5.5 Copper .................................................................................. 316
7.5.6 Lead–Zinc ............................................................................ 318
7.5.7 Aluminum (Bauxite) ............................................................ 318
7.5.8 Arsenic ................................................................................. 319
7.5.9 Antimony.............................................................................. 320
7.5.10 Rhenium ............................................................................... 321
7.5.11 Gold ...................................................................................... 321
7.5.12 Phosphate ............................................................................. 322
7.5.13 Fluorite ................................................................................. 322
7.5.14 Rock Salt .............................................................................. 324
7.5.15 Boron (Borax) ...................................................................... 325
7.5.16 Bentonite .............................................................................. 326
7.5.17 Vermiculite ........................................................................... 326
7.5.18 Mica...................................................................................... 326
7.5.19 Strontium .............................................................................. 326
7.5.20 Barite .................................................................................... 327
Contents xv
7.5.21 Diatomite .............................................................................. 327

7.5.22 Feldspars .............................................................................. 327
7.5.23 Perlite ................................................................................... 328
7.5.24 Dimension Stones................................................................. 328
7.5.25 Magnesite ............................................................................. 329
7.5.26 Fossil Fuels (Petroleum, Natural Gas, and Coal) ................. 330
7.5.27 Water Resources (Budget).................................................... 332
8 Energy Resources, Production, and Consumption in Iran
Compared with the World ........................................................................ 333
8.1 Types of Energy Resources ................................................................ 333
8.2 Nonrenewable Energy Resources ...................................................... 334
8.2.1 Crude Oil .............................................................................. 334
8.2.2 Gas........................................................................................ 334
8.2.3 Gas Condensates .................................................................. 334
8.2.4 Tar Sands .............................................................................. 334
8.2.5 Kerogens............................................................................... 335
8.2.6 Other Nonrenewable Resources ........................................... 336
8.3 Fossil Fuel Reserves of Iran ............................................................... 336
8.3.1 Crude oil ............................................................................... 336
8.3.2 Gas Condensates .................................................................. 339
8.3.3 Gas........................................................................................ 340
8.3.4 Coal ...................................................................................... 340
8.4 Fossilized Fuel Production of Iran and the World ............................. 342
8.4.1 Crude Oil .............................................................................. 342
8.4.2 Gas........................................................................................ 344
8.4.3 Coal ...................................................................................... 344
8.5 Fossilized Fuel Consumption in Iran and the World.......................... 345
8.5.1 Consumption Pattern ............................................................ 346
8.6 Global Status of Iran in Terms of Energy Resources ......................... 346
8.7 Nuclear Energy in Iran and the World ............................................... 346
8.8 Renewable Energy Resources of Iran ................................................ 348
8.8.1 Hydroelectric Energy ........................................................... 350
8.8.2 Solar Energy ......................................................................... 350
8.8.3 Wind Energy......................................................................... 350
8.8.4 Geothermal Energy .............................................................. 351
8.8.5 Tidal Energy ......................................................................... 353
9 List of Mineral Deposits and Indications of Iran ................................... 355
9.1 Introduction ........................................................................................ 355
References ........................................................................................................ 543
Knowledge Sources ......................................................................................... 549
Index ................................................................................................................. 567
Chapter 1
Nature of Iran and Its Climate
Abstract This chapter briefly describes Iran’s physical geography, climatic

characteristics, morphology, faunal and floral diversity, and water bodies inside
and along its borders. The chapter is written in such a fashion that it gives the
reader an idea about Iran’s natural features and attractions even if one has never
visited Iran. The information provided herein lays ground for the study of physical
features of Iran in any discipline.
Keywords Iranian Plateau • Climate of Iran • Mountains of Iran • Fauna and Flora
of Iran • Sea, lakes and rivers of Iran
1.1 Location, Boundaries, and Surface Area
Iran is positioned on the southwest of Asia forming a bridge connecting three

continents of Asia, Europe, and Africa. It is bordered by Azerbaijan, Armenia,
Turkmenistan, and the Caspian Sea on the north, Afghanistan and Pakistan on the
east, Oman Sea and Persian Gulf on the south, and Turkey and Iraq on the west
(Road Atlas of Iran 2004). The country is part of the Iranian Plateau that constitutes
a vast and high terrane, which is bordered by the Caspian Sea on the north, Amu
Darya, Syr Darya, and Kora River plains on the northeast, Sindh and Punjab Rivers
plain on the southeast, the Oman Sea and the Persian Gulf on the south, and the
Tigris river plain on the southwest (Comprehensive Geography of Iran 1987).
The total areal extent of the plateau is about 2,600,000 km2, of which 1,648,195 km2
is accounted for by Iran, and the rest covers Afghanistan, Pakistan, and former
Soviet republics. The area of Iran is 3.7% of Asia and 1.09% of the total land on the
Earth’s surface (Comprehensive Geography of Iran 1987).
The Iranian Plateau is a triangular-shaped piece of land between the Persian Gulf
and the Oman Sea on the south and the Caspian Sea on the north and plays the role
of a bridge between Central Asia and other plateaus in western Asia and Europe
M. Ghorbani, The Economic Geology of Iran: Mineral Deposits 1

and Natural Resources, Springer Geology, DOI 10.1007/978-94-007-5625-0_1,
2 1 Nature of Iran and Its Climate
(Darehshouri and Kasraian 1998). The longest stretch of Iran runs from the Ararat
Mountains northwest to the Goater Port on southwest and measures 2,210 km,
while the widest stretch is between Sarakhs on the northeast and the Arvand
River on the southwest, measuring about 1,400 km (Comprehensive Geography of
Iran 1987). Half of Iran’s land surface is mountainous, 1/4 covered by fertile
and productive plains and the other 1/4 covered with salty arid deserts (Darehshouri
and Kasraian 1998).
The southernmost point of Iran is the Goater Port located on 25° N latitude, and
the northernmost point is the Ararat foothills 40° N. The easternmost point is Kuhak
on the border with Pakistan, while the westernmost point is Bazargan on the border
with Turkey. Iran’s geographic coordinates are between 44° and 63° 5¢ 30″ E longi-
tude and 25–40° N latitude (Comprehensive Geography of Iran 1987).
The time difference between the easternmost and westernmost points is about 1 h
and 18 min. The perimeter of Iran is about 8,700 km of which 2,700 km (or nearly
one-third) is marine (Persian Gulf, Oman or Makran Sea and Caspian Sea) and
the rest is terrestrial. The marine border line from the Arvand River estuary to the
Goater Port stretches about 2,000 km (Comprehensive Geography of Iran 1987).
1.2 Administrative Division
In the old days, Iran was governed by a totalitarian monarchy system, and the political
subdivisions were ruled by a local ruler. This system continued until 1907 when a
constitutional monarchy was established. In this year, a law was ratified based on which
Iran was divided into four provinces: Azerbaijan, Fars, Khorasan, and Kerman and
Baluchistan. This system remained in force until 1937 when, based on a new admin-
istrative division system, Iran was divided into 10 provinces and 49 counties. In the
year 1971, the divisions were increased to 14 provinces, 8 districts, and 161 counties
(National Historical Atlas of Iran 1999). Based on the latest administrative division
system provided by the Interior Ministry of Iran Website, Iran consists of 31 prov-
inces, 385 counties, 961 districts, 1,120 cities, and 2,473 rural districts (Fig. 1.1). The
general statistics of various provinces is presented in Table 1.1.
1.3 Iranian Plateau
The Iranian Plateau that covers a major part of Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan
seems to have experienced similar developments throughout its extent during the
evolution of the Earth.
Following the breakup of Gondwana supercontinent into several pieces, the
Iranian Plateau, like the other pieces, began to drift away from the supercontinent,
thus forming the Tethys Sea that lasted for tens of millions of years until it finally
1.3 Iranian Plateau 3
Fig. 1.1 Administrative division map of Iran (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Provinces_of_

Iran_Labelled_Map http://wikimediafoundation.org/wiki/Terms_of_Use)
reached the southern coasts of Laurasia at the beginning of Cenozoic. The collision
point was at the coastal plains of Touran (Ghorbani 2002b).
Undoubtedly the geological history of the Iranian Plateau is one of the most
interesting, complicated, and adventurous on the face of the Earth because the
Iranian Plateau alone experienced numerous and various geological events and
phenomena.
Different theories about the history of the Iranian Plateau from the moment it
separated from Gondwana till its collision with Laurasia have been presented by
many geologists.
Some significant and important geological events occurred following the accretion
of the Iranian Plateau to Laurasia. Due to the general moving direction of Africa
toward Laurasia and also the continuous pressure applied by the Iranian Plateau onto
this supercontinent, several orogenic phases have occurred (Ghorbani 2002a, b, c).
Table 1.1 General statistics about the provinces of Iran (http://fa.wikipedia.org – for detailed
URLs, please refer to the reference list)
No. Province name Area (sq. km) Population
1 Alborz 5,833 2,412,513
2 Ardabil 17,800 1,248,488
3 Bushehr 27,653 1,032,949
4 Chahar-mahal and Bakhtiyari 16,332 895,263
5 East Azerbaijan 45,650 3,724,620
6 Fars 122,608 4,596,685
7 Golestan 20,367 1,777,014
8 Guilan 14,042 2,480,874
9 Hamedan 19,368 1,758,268
10 Hormozgan 70,697 1,578,183
11 Ilam 20,133 557,599
12 Isfahan 107,029 4,879,312
13 Kerman 181,785 2,938,988
14 Kermanshah 24,998 1,945,227
15 Khuzestan 64,055 4,531,720
16 Kohkilooyeh and Boyer-ahmad 15,504 658,629
17 Kurdistan 29,137 1,493,645
18 Lurestan 24,294 1,754,243
19 Markazi 29,127 1,413,959
20 Mazandaran 23,842 3,070,943
20 Northern Khorasan 28,434 867,727
22 Qazvin 15,567 1,201,565
23 Qom 11,526 1,151,672
24 Razavi Khorasan 128,949 5,994,402
25 Semnan 97,491 631,218
26 Sistan and Baluchestan 180,726 2,534,327
27 Southern Khorasan 85,290 622,534
28 Tehran 12,981 12,183,391
29 West Azerbaijan 37,411 3,080,576
30 Yazd 129,285 1,074,428
31 Zanjan 21,773 1,015,734
Total area (as of 2010): 1,629,687
Total population (as of 2011): 75,106,696
The separation of the Indian subcontinent from Gondwana and its collision
with Asia (which led to the formation of the great Himalayan mountains) caused the
closure of the Tethys Sea on the east of the Iranian Plateau (Ghorbani 1999f).
Another factor that played a significant role in the final shaping of Iran was the
spreading of the Red Sea (Darehshouri and Kasraian 1998).
The northward movement of the Arabian Plate and the pressure exerted against
Iran and Turkey caused new geological phenomena to occur (Ref).
As the Arabian Plate collided with the Iranian Plate, it plunged beneath the
Iranian Plate and resulted in various geological and topographical episodes, such as
the formation of the Zagros Mountains and other ranges parallel to it (Darehshouri
and Kasraian 1998).
This collision should be considered as a continent–continent type. Geologists
believe that the very thick Iranian continental crust in the north Zagros area is the
result of plunging the Arabian Plate underneath the Iranian Plate (Berberian 1984).
Currently the Arabian Plate is still pushing against the Iranian Plate, and
recent earthquakes in the southwest of the country are the results of such movement
(Alavi 1994).
The Iranian Plateau collision with Asia probably occurred in the early Mesozoic,
which was followed by numerous geological and biological developments
(Darehshouri and Kasraian 1998).
Further folding in Alborz and Central Iran as well as folding of the Zagros
Mountains occurred in this period of time (Darehshouri and Kasraian 1998).
Prior to the detachment of the Iranian Plateau, Gondwana was closer to the
Equator and experienced a warm climate (Darehshouri and Kasraian 1998).
The characteristics of phenomena experienced by the Iranian Plateau caused
looming of numerous morphological and climatological diversities with each of
them having a specific mechanism. Each of these phenomena resulted in the forma-
tion of a variety of natural resources and biological diversities.
The Iranian Plateau entered a new climatic condition once attached to Asia.
Under the newly established circumstance, many biological species that could not
adjust themselves to the new condition gradually vanished, and the susceptible
Iranian terrane was occupied by the fauna and flora of the neighboring Touran and
Europe.
Many of the immigrant fauna and flora from northeastern Touran entered the
Iranian Plateau and spread all the way to the south; the European fauna and flora were
also spread through northwest gateway and settled in the areas suitable for them.
Although the Iranian Plateau managed to preserve some of its biota throughout
these incidents, it was strongly affected by the incoming communities of Touran,
and, to some extent, the European ones. While preserving some of its previous
fauna and flora, the natural appearance of the biota eventually transformed to be
more similar to that of Laurasia.
1.3.1 Trend of Iranian Plateau Transformation
The appearance of the Iranian Plateau changed following the changes in geology
and climate of southern Asia. One of the major factors in this transformation was
the Alpine Orogeny, whose final phases changed the outlook of the Iranian Plateau
(Ghorbani 1999a, b, c, d, e, f). From Late Pliocene to Quaternary, that is, during the
Pasadenian orogeny, the Iranian Plateau underwent significant changes. Following
this orogeny phase, the distribution of land and water bodies in the Iranian Plateau
approached that of today, and some inland lakes vanished. At the end of Pliocene
and beginning of Quaternary, three significant phenomena were dominant on the
Iranian Plateau (Ref):
• Volcanism
• Seismic activities and large earthquakes
• Fluvial inundation and flooding
These phenomena were so significant that the earthquakes and flooding happen-
ing today cannot be compared to those occurring from Pliocene until Quaternary.
Some of these are briefly described next.
At the said time, the Alborz, Zagros, Sahand, and Sabalan Mountains were much
taller than they are today. Steep topography, on the one hand, and climate character-
istics of the early Quaternary, on the otherhand, caused torrential rains and river
inundations, which led to severe mechanical weathering and erosion. In fact, the
large volume and thick unsorted sediments and alluvium bespeak of such activities
(Hezaar-Darreh Formation in north of Iran, and Bakhtiari conglomerate and loose
alluviums in the south of Iran).
Displacement and disorder in river terraces in places where they are positioned
perpendicular to Quaternary faults, or the effects of faults within young terraces, as
well as fracturing, sliding, and slumping of multiton boulders in some areas indicate
the occurrence of numerous large and strong earthquakes at the beginning of
Quaternary.
A comprehensive review of the characteristics of Quaternary sediments and the
phenomena occurred in this period, and it can be assumed that incidents such as floods,
earthquakes, and volcanism were severely strong during Late Pliocene-Quaternary
throughout Iran, but they gradually weakened. Volcanic activities totally ceased, and
seismic activities lost their strength, with their intensity and amplitude decreasing.
This climate change led to the shrinkage of woodlands causing the extinction of
jungle-dwelling animals whereas increase of ungulates and grazers in plains and
prairies. Some of the extinct animals were giraffes, mastodons, marals (ghazals),
and mammals like boars. Monkeys, carnivorous mammals, and predators belonging
to the Canidae family were abundant in this period of time (Darehshouri and
Kasraian 1998).
Tropical and subtropical flora gradually vanished, and other plant species
replaced them as seen today in the woodlands in the northern flanks of the Alborz
Mountains (Darehshouri and Kasraian 1998).
Solid evidence has been found on the habitats of flora and fauna for the period of
4–10 million years ago in north Maragheh, northwest of Iran (Darehshouri and
Kasraian 1998). These evidences include a unique collection of animal fossils bur-
ied under volcanic ash released by the Sahand Volcano.
This valuable collection of vertebrate fossils in Maragheh, which is believed to
have been formed during the last ten million years, is very important for understanding
the paleoclimatic and paleoecologic conditions of Iran as well as the evolutionary
studies of animal and human populations of Iran.
There are remnants of animals such as rams, ewes, marals, mountain goats
(capras), giraffes, beavers, felidae, canidae, hyperion, and hyenas found in different
sizes, in some cases gigantic, in the fossil-bearing Maragheh Formation (Darehshouri
and Kasraian 1998). Rams and ewes are very sensitive to environmental changes
and are therefore of paleontological importance. The presence of such animals in
the past few million years points to the presence of grazelands and hilly prairies
with moderate and humid climate. These rams and ewes had somehow limited dis-
tribution, and their remnants are only found in younger Cenozoic sediments, and
therefore they are very helpful in understanding the environmental and climatic
condition of the said times.
The Maragheh fossiliferous basin must be considered as a natural heritage and
protected as part of Iran’s cultural heritage.
Based on the excavation works in the Maragheh area and identification of verte-
brate fossils as well as their comparison to their counterparts in the same time period
(Darehshouri and Kasraian 1998), it can be stated that the northwestern part of Iran
has been totally influenced by the animal species from Europe, and, with the excep-
tion of hyperion in northwest, Iran never had common animal species with India.
Excavation works in the Maragheh area confirm that Azerbaijan Province was the
gateway for European fauna and flora species to enter Iran (Darehshouri and
Kasraian 1998).
Although excavation works did not yield any evidence on the very early and
remote ancestors of mankind in Iran, they provided comprehensive information
about the vertebrates. Two million years ago, most of the mammals became extinct
as they could not bear the cold weather caused by the Ice Age. The Ice Age lasted
until 10,000 years ago and strongly affected the northern hemisphere. The floral and
faunal assemblages of the northern hemisphere were immensely hit by this cold ice
age (Darehshouri and Kasraian 1998).
Most of the deciduous forests of previous time periods vanished, and those situ-
ated away from the glaciers (like the forests in the Caspian area) survived as the
remnants of the Cenozoic forests that once covered all of Laurasia.
The surviving animals swarmed and migrated toward the southern part of Asia,
Touran, and Iran; the surviving animals included marals, elephants, wild goats,
bears, and boars. The few mammals that lived to see the final stage of the Ice Age
had to adjust to tolerate the severe cold by growing thick hair and fatty layers under-
neath their skin (Darehshouri and Kasraian 1998); these mammals included
mammoths, rhinoceros, cows, yaks, marals, saber-tooth tigers, and foxes.
Although glaciers did not fully cover the Iranian Plateau, they significantly
affected vegetation coverage and animal variety in Iran.
The movement of Iranian Plateau from north of Africa toward South Asia was
the most important event in the geological history of Iran. It caused the extinction of
part of flora and fauna species as well as the migration of numerous species from
neighboring lands so that, besides the endemic plants and animals specific to Iran,
many other species that had originated in Touran, Europe, Mediterranean, Africa,
and India are still living on this land (Darehshouri and Kasraian 1998).
1.4 Physiography
Iran features a very diverse climatic and geographic characteristic. The highest
temperature in the Persian Gulf area can reach up to 53°C in summer, and the lowest
temperature in the northwestern part of Iran can reach up to −40°C in winter. The
average precipitation in lush forests on southwest of the Caspian Sea is about
2,400 mm per year, whereas the Lut Desert may experience no rainfall for some
successive years (Darehshouri and Kasraian 1998).
The elevation at the Caspian Sea coasts is 25 m below the mean sea level, whereas
there are over 100 peaks with heights of more than 4,000 m, among which Mount
Damavand stands at 5,610 m (Jafari 2005).
The biodiversity of Iran is as contrasting as its geography and climate. While the
northern flanks of Alborz are covered with deciduous forests, no trees can be seen
in the millions of hectares of deserts. Mangroves forests cover the coasts of the
Persian Gulf and the Oman Sea (Darehshouri and Kasraian 1998).
1.4.1 Physiographic Division
Physiographically, Iran can be divided into four regions, namely, Caspian, Zagros,
central plateau, and southern coastal plains. This division corresponds to the climatic
conditions, vegetation, faunal distribution, and, to a great extent, geological and
morphological characteristics. These four regions are immensely affected by vari-
ous natural and physiographic factors of the northern hemisphere (Climate Atlas of
Iran; University of Tehran, Institute of Geography 1965).
1. Caspian: Some scientists define the Caspian region as a stretch of land with the
Golestan forests at its eastern ends and Astara at its western ends, while some others
stretch the Caspian region from Bojnourd on the east to Arasbaran on the west. This
region is a long and narrow land with a width of 20–70 km and a length of 800 km.
The climatic conditions in this region are moderate to warm with high humidity and
plenty of precipitation. This region is covered with deciduous forests. The maxi-
mum annual rainfall in this region occurs at the Anzali area and exceeds 2,000 mm
sometimes; however, moving toward the east, the annual rainfall drops down to
600 mm as in the Gorgan area. The temperature tremendously varies from the
coastal plains to the high mountains. The different floral communities found in the
Caspian region are the result of such climatic diversity (Climate Atlas of Iran;
University of Tehran, Institute of Geography 1965).
2. Zagros: It is a wide, extensive mountain range stretching from Azerbaijan
Province on the northwest toward south and southeast extending all the way parallel
to the Persian Gulf till it reaches the Strait of Hormuz. The Zagros Mountains are
very young, and in fact they are the most recent mountains formed in Iran (Alavi
1994). Currently this mountain range is still rising as the Arabian Plate is subduct-
ing under the Iranian Plate; consequently, this range has not yet stabilized.
1.4 Physiography 9
Zagros consists of a series of mountain ranges with their crests parallel to each other.
This series runs from Azerbaijan southwardly to Lorestan and Bakhtiari, and then to
Boyer Ahmad and Fars; it finally ends at the Strait of Hormuz and Minab Fault.
The width of the Zagros Mountain range sometimes reaches 300 km, and there
is no gap seen along this mountain range. The highest point along the Zagros
Mountain range is Mount Dena with a height of 4,447 m.
Rain clouds from the Atlantic Ocean travel eastwardly across the Mediterranean
and either come to a halt as they reach the Zagros Mountain range descending as
precipitation or ascend to higher altitudes in atmosphere and scatter. Zagros pre-
vents this weather system from entering into Central Iran.
The temperature and amount of precipitation vary extremely along the Zagros
Mountain range. In general, the temperature and rainfall drop when moving from
north of Zagros toward the southern parts.
The rainfall over the eastern flanks is less than that of the western flanks. The
average precipitation varies from 200 to more than 1,000 mm in different areas of
Zagros. Most of the rainfall occurs during the winter. Summer is dry just like in the
Mediterranean area. The climate is drier than the western part of the Mediterranean
area but eventually follows the same pattern of the Mediterranean climate contour
lines (Climate Atlas of Iran; University of Tehran, Institute of Geography 1965).
Since the rainfall is less on the eastern flanks as compared to the western parts,
the vegetation cover of the Zagros area is of dry Mediterranean (Darehshouri and
Kasraian 1998) type.
In Fars Province, moving toward the east, Zagros loses height gradually and hence
the annual rainfall drops. As a result, the temperature rises, thus leading to a significant
diversity in climate, vegetation, and animal habitats in the eastern terminus of the
Zagros Mountain range. Corresponding to elevation and climate, various plant
communities have inhibited the southern end of Zagros. Relatively homogeneous
forests of Boneh, Peanuts, and Aras are seen in places like Arsanjan, Qir Mountains,
and Mount Shab in Larestan, and remain relatively intact and unharmed.
3. Central plateau: This is a very vast plateau spreading out from Alborz to Zagros
and eastwardly to Afghanistan and Pakistan. The average elevation of this plateau is
1,300 m, but it drops to 700 m inside Dasht-e Kavir, and further to 300 m in the cen-
tral part of Lut. Alborz and Zagros Mountains block the Mediterranean rain-bearing
winds from entering into Iran’s central plateau, thus lowering the average annual
rainfall within this plateau to less than 300 mm (Darehshouri and Kasraian 1998).
The plateau has no streams. Those originating from Alborz and Zagros run down
into salt marshes and salty wetlands and vaporize (Darehshouri and Kasraian 1998).
The plateau features desert characteristics.
Dasht-e Kavir and Lut Kavir are two large arid regions that cover most of this cen-
tral plateau. In addition to these two deserts, some small to large basins are seen in
between or alongside them (e.g., Gav-khooni Swamp). With the exception of central
parts of Dasht-e Kavir and Lut Kavir, scarce mountains are seen almost everywhere
throughout this plateau (e.g., Toroud Chah-shirin Mountains, Shotori Mountains).
Iran’s central plateau region is located almost in the middle of the Iran-Touran
block. Its climate is of continental type that features hot summers and cold
winters. The shortage of rainfall and lengthy dry season differentiates this plateau
from other areas. The lowland and highland, soil type, salinity, and aridness in this
area are very diverse (Darehshouri and Kasraian 1998).
The vastest sandy desert of Iran is located east of Lut Kavir, which is one of the
largest of its kind in the world. The second-largest sandy desert of Iran is located
north of Kashan. There are a few large sandy deserts south of Dasht-e Kavir, includ-
ing Choopanan, Rig-Zarrin, Mesr, and Aroosan (Darehshouri and Kasraian 1998).
4. Southern coastal plains: This region is bounded between mountains, Persian Gulf
and Oman Sea, and its width varies at different places. This region stretches from
Ghasr-e Shirin to the Goater Port and is characterized by low rainfall and hot
weather. The islands in the Persian Gulf are parts of this region.
The existence of numerous trees and plants locally affects the climate of this region.
The average temperature is lower in woodlands and summers are cooler. The wood-
lands block direct sunlight from reaching the ground and therefore diminish heat radia-
tion. On the other hand, moisture in the ground absorbs the heat to some extent, thereby
leading to moderation of climate and a decrease in temperature. This effect is by and
large sensed up to elevation of 1,500 m (Comprehensive Geography of Iran 1987).
The forests in the mountainous areas play a significant role in increasing the
rainfall because due to lower temperatures, the rain clouds are saturated faster and
precipitate. However, the adverse consequence on the climate of the region due to
deforestation is obvious.
Based on physiographical characteristics and the geographical and climato-
logical literatures and maps (Comprehensive Geography of Iran 1987; Darehshouri
and Kasraian 1998; Climatic Atlas of Iran 1965; Shahrabi 1994; Nabavi 1994), Iran
can be divided into ten climatic areas.
1.4.1.1 Arid Climate
Much of the Iranian Plateau, especially the central part, consists of dry and barren
deserts that are bounded by Alborz on the north, Zagros on the west, Persian Gulf
and Oman Sea on the south, and Afghanistan and Pakistan on the east. This area
features arid climate, and the temperature difference between day and night is
extreme with very hot days and relatively colder nights.
The general characteristics of this climate are summarized as a long hot season,
extreme aridness, and shortage of rainfall. The aridity index1 in this area is
300–350 days. Rain falls in only a few days and mostly in the mountainous parts.
Arid climate dominates the basins within Iran’s central plateau, and the annual rain-
fall is negligible, as low as 75 mm.
Besides Namak and Lut deserts, areas such as Jazmurian, Khur and Jandagh, Farrokhi,
Biyabanak, Anarak, Yazd, Bafgh, Tabas, Nehbandan to Nosrat-abad, Bam, Zahedan,
Zabol, Saravan, Bahu-kalat, and Abar-kuh can be included in this type of climate.
1
Dryness coefficient reflects the number of days with no rainfall.
1.4 Physiography 11
1.4.1.2 Severe Semiarid Climate
This climate prevails in surrounding areas with arid climate and covers the edge of
the deserts. It features hot and dry weather. Cloud systems coming from the north
and the west of Iran can hardly affect the climate of this area. As a result, the average
annual rainfall is between 100 and 280 mm. The aridity index in this type of climate
is 250–300 days. Parts of Khuzestan plain, Mah-shahr, Abadan, Ahwaz, Hamidiyeh,
Andimeshk, Aghajari, Khash, Jask, southern parts of Fars Province, and most of
Iran’s central plateau feature characteristics of semiarid climate.
The average annual temperature in these areas is between 16 and 20°C. Extreme
dryness and severe heat are characteristics of this climate. The weather becomes
moderate in winter with occasional rainfall that usually leads to flash floods.
The southern parts of Khuzestan plain and Persian Gulf coast are often affected
by dry and hot weather systems from the Arabian Peninsula and show features of
such climate.
1.4.1.3 Moderate Semiarid Climate
The climate also encircles areas with an aridity index of 200–250 days. Since the
Zagros and Alborz Mountain ranges prevent the entry of enough moisture into these
areas, the rainfall is low and the temperature is high in areas with this type of climate.
The moist weather systems lose their moisture as they hit and pass through the Zagros
and Alborz Regions, and therefore the rainfall drops and temperature rises away from
southern flanks of Alborz and eastern flanks of the Zagros toward Central Iran.
Masjed Soleiman, Gachsaran, Behbahan, Bushehr, Fasa, Jahrom, Varamin,
Saveh, Naein, Esfahan, Najaf-abad, Rafsanjan, Sabzevar, Bandarabbas, Birjand,
Gonabad, Kashmar, Shahrood, Sirjan, and Kerman feature this type of climate.
1.4.1.4 Hot and Dry Mediterranean Climate
In this weather condition, the number of dry days drops down, and the aridity index
is between 150 and 200 days. This type of climate includes the western parts of Iran
(Ghasr-e Shirin to Khoram-abad), parts of the plains in the southern flanks of Alborz,
and areas from Tehran to north of Khorasan Province (i.e., Mashhad, Ghoochan,
Fariman, Torbat-e Jam).
Much of the precipitation falls on the southern slopes of Alborz and north of
Khorasan because of the presence of low-pressure cold weather systems coming in
from the north or the west of Iran. In general, the average annual rainfall in these
areas is between 200 and 500 mm.
The Zagros Mountain range provides suitable condition for precipitation in some
parts within this type of climate. The weather systems coming from the Mediterranean
area hit the Zagros Mountain range, causing them to lose temperature and therefore
produce relatively significant rainfalls. The rainfall rate in Zagros varies from 400
to 1,200 mm and mostly falls on the western flanks.
1.4.1.5 Warm Mediterranean Climate
This type of weather condition is mostly dominant in northwestern and western Iran,
including Ravansar, Kermanshah, Gorgan plain, Qazvin plain, Rudbar, Abhar, Takestan,
and southern parts of Arak. Relatively high elevation of the aforementioned areas and
their placement in higher geographic latitude cause the rain to fall in the form of snow
in the winter and in the form of torrential showers in the spring. The average annual
rainfall is between 300 and 600 mm, and the aridity index is 100–150 days.
1.4.1.6 Moderate Mediterranean Climate
This type of climate with an aridity index of 40–100 days prevails over parts of the
Caspian Sea coast, which is from Anzali to Nowshahr. The Alborz Mountain range
in the southern and western parts of this region acts as a barrier blocking moisture
systems coming from the Caspian Sea. The average annual rainfall in this region
varies from 700 to 1,800 mm with maximum rainfall pouring down on the coastal
areas and northern slopes of Alborz. The rainfall rate recorded in Anzali is 1,781 mm.
From the temperature standpoint, this region is considered as mild or moderate as
its average annual temperature is 15–18°C.
1.4.1.7 Semi-Mediterranean Climate
The area affected by this climate is not vast and is limited between the Caspian Sea
and the Alborz Mountains. Alborz separates this plain from areas inside Iran and
acts as a barrier that disconnects two very different climates (i.e., warm and humid
climate and dry and arid climate).
This type of climate covers the southern and eastern parts of the Caspian Sea
coast, which is from Babolsar to Hosseingholi Gulf. The aridity index is less than
40 days, and the average annual rainfall is 700–1,000 mm. This region and its climate
are separated from the contrasting dry and arid region by the Alborz Mountain range.
The moisture systems coming from the Caspian Sea are drawn toward the coast and
then up in the mountain slopes, where they condense due to the cold weather. Such
condensations usually lead to precipitation. Some of the characteristics of this
region are frequent rain, high humidity, and small seasonal temperature variation.
The rainfall rate decreases when moving from the west to the east. The coastal lands
never freeze because of high humidity.
1.4.1.8 Exerophire Climate
This type of climate does not experience dry season. It rains over part of coastal
plains, including Astara, Fooman, Lakan, Bibalani, Koran Talar, and eastern slopes
of the Talesh Mountains. The average annual rainfall in this region varies from
1,000 to 2,000 mm.
1.5 Vegetation 13
1.4.1.9 Cold Exerophire Climate
This type of climate prevails over heights in Alborz and Zagros. Freezing weather
is dominant in these areas for 5–11 months of the year. The average annual rainfall
is over 2,000 mm.
1.4.1.10 Cold Steppe Climate
This climate is seen in some parts of the Alborz and Zagros Mountains with 5–8
months of freezing weather. The annual precipitation is measured around 200 mm.
1.5 Vegetation
Naturalists divide northern hemisphere into four major provinces from a botanic
point of view. Iran stands as a link between all these botanic provinces. Numerous
factors from each of these provinces have affected the floral community of Iran. The
four botanic provinces are
1. Europo-Siberian
2. Mediterranean
3. Irano-Touranian
4. Arid-Sandy
The aforementioned botanic provinces, which are located next to Iran’s four geo-
graphical regions of Khazar, Zagros, central plateau, and southern coastal plains,
respectively, have clearly affected and made their marks on the floral community of
Iran. Obviously these provinces cannot be considered independently. Environmental
intertwining based on distribution patterns of species in these geographic regions
has always been possible. However, deserts and mountains are the main barriers
against such distributions. Migration of mountainous floral species toward arid areas
is hampered as they reach the edges of deserts, and the same blockade happens to
the arid species as they reach foothills on their way toward the mountainous areas.
Extreme hot and cold weather as well as other climatic factors (e.g., elevation
difference) played significant roles in the distribution and propagation of the floral
species. The folding and major orogenic incidents in various geological eras and the
migration time of fauna and flora species into Iran also played a clear role in the
distribution of the species.
Although only 5% of the plants in Iran are of European-Siberian origin, this
small portion includes 80 tree species and more than 50 shrub species. Most trees in
the Caspian region have managed to survive as they were situated at a far distance
from the glaciers, but some trees that once existed there (Europe-Siberia) have not
survived. Due to the lack of sufficient knowledge and research works about the
precise distribution pattern of these species, as well as the absence of data on fossil
flora and fauna of Iran, there are many complicating questions. In the following
paragraphs, a brief description of the four floral provinces is presented.
1.5.1 Caspian Floral Province
The northern plain forests, which are now mostly wiped out, were covered with box
trees. Oak and carpinus trees form plant communities along the foothills, wherein
single trees such as Azad, Shabe Hasab, Namdar, Lilaki, elm, and ash are seen.
Besides the oak trees, beech groves are also seen on slopes with higher altitude
within the Caspian Province, which could appear along with carpinus trees at eleva-
tions around 2,000 m. When moving to higher elevations, more species are found,
with trees being replaced with brushes and bushes.
Forests in the Caspian Province are truly a live museum displaying the preglacial
European plants. Unfortunately, a large part of these forests has been transformed
into rice fields, tea gardens, and citrus groves, and, more regretfully, into residential
areas, where the greedy developers have destroyed the natural vegetal cover to build
residential complexes.
1.5.2 Zagros Floral Province
The vegetation cover in Zagros varies with elevation. At greater heights and high
peaks, the vegetation cover is more grassy and short. When moving down below the
elevation of 4,000 m, plant species such as astragalus bushes are abundant, and
below 2,800 m juniper (oros) trees can be seen. These juniper trees are not in the
form of forest but are scattered single trees rising up through the rocks. However, in
the southern parts of Zagros, there are vast forests of junipers mostly accompanied
by wild olive trees. In these places, junipers grow in lower elevation as opposed to
the northern part of Zagros, where these trees are only found at higher elevations.
1.5.3 Iran’s Central Plateau Floral Province
This province is covered with a type of vegetation considered to be nurturing ground

for many species of the northern hemisphere. Iran’s central plateau covers about 3/4
of Iran’s surface area and 70% of flora species of Iran are reported from this prov-
ince. The plants in this area are well adopted with severe aridity, salinity, heat,
long summers, and cold winters. Parts of mountains and foothills are covered with
xerophytes. There are patches of junipers in the southern and northern part as well
as in higher altitudes, and scarce small plant communities of turpentine and almond
trees seen at higher elevations within central deserts. When moving from foothills
toward the plains, the number of trees shrinks and brushes replace the trees. Rolling
sand dunes in the form of small and large patches are scattered throughout this area,
which displays a special vegetation coverage. The concentration of brushes and
bushes in Iran’s central plateau is remarkable. This vegetation cover is very rich in
1.6 Summarized Facts About Vegetation Cover 15
species diversity, and its abundance depends on elevation, rainfall, and type of soil.
Vital activities come to a halt twice: (1) when it is extremely cold in winters and (2)
due to long dry summers.
1.5.4 Southern Coastal Plains Floral Province
The vegetation in this province includes warmth-loving plants whose origin goes
back to Africa or tropical Asia such as palm (date) and lotus trees. Their need for
warmth and poor resistance to cold weather makes their distribution limited to the
southern warm coastal belt.
Various types of acacia trees are found in this province, which cover the coastal
plains and rolling hills uniformly at some places along with prosopis trees in other
places. Vast forests of acacia and prosopis still remain in Tangeh Khiyal, Port of
Magham to Port of Charak, near Port of Lengeh, and also between Minab and
Jask.
From Jask to Chabahar and alongside Jagin and Gabrik, rivers and other seasonal
rivers prosopis forests are seen, which unfortunately are being excessively exploited
putting them on the verge of extinction.
Lotus trees have invaded the Irano-Touran and Zagros areas more than other spe-
cies have. At the bottom of valleys and low plains on the south of Zagros, there are
thick lotus forests, which are accompanied by nerium brushes in humid areas. Wild
pomegranate trees also grow scarcely in some parts. In plains north of Chabahar and
in the Dashte-yari Plain, various trees such as acacia and prosopis along with wild
palm trees form a diverse vegetation cover.
1.6 Summarized Facts About Vegetation Cover
Much of the vegetation cover consists of forests, prairies, and fruit groves and
orchards. Not very far back, Iran had 30,000,000 ha of forests, which accounted for
1/5 of its surface area; however, the number has been shrinking due to uncontrolled
timbering. In general, 13.86 million hectares of land is presently covered with for-
ests and 90 million hectares with prairies (9.3 million hectares with high quality,
37.3 with moderate to poor quality, and 43.3 with low quality).
The forest areas can be categorized as follows:
1. Northern forests that spread over 2.1 million hectares, also known as Hirkani
forests
2. Other forests, which are divided into four groups:
(a) Zagros (six million hectares)
(b) Arasbaran (160,000 ha)
(c) Irano-Touranian (4.5 million hectares)
(d) Gulf (1.1 million hectares)
1.7 Weather Systems
1.7.1 Air Pressure and Wind Flow in Different Season
During winter, a high-pressure weather system forms over eastern Turkestan, Aral,
and Caspian Seas to the north of the Black Sea and stretches to Carpathian and
Pyrenean, and even close to the Azure Islands in the Atlantic Ocean. Woikof (quoted
in Comprehensive Geography of Iran 1987) called this huge weather system the
axis of the continents, which is the common line separating the southern and north-
ern wind systems. On the north of this axis, the winds blow in the southwestern
direction, while on its south the winds blow toward the northeast.
Winter Season: During winter, a high-pressure system forms over the Iranian Plateau
whose effects are not as significant as those of the Central Asian wind systems. This
weather system is of low-pressure type over the Black Sea, the Persian Gulf, the
Oman Sea, and the Indian Ocean.
In general, it can be said that the direction of winds during winter is from land
toward sea; therefore, a large front of cold weather comes from Central Asia and
moves toward the west, crossing over Turkestan and Kyrgyzstan. A branch off of
this weather system shifts toward the Caspian Sea but the mountains on the south
and southwest block its flow. Only part of the moisture being carried by this branch
gets through into Iran via the Manjil Valley.
The direction of the winds is usually perpendicular to the general trend of the
mountains within the plateau, thus lowering its speed dramatically. The speed of
winds in winter is about 1–3 m/s, that is, 3.6–10.8 km/h.
Spring Season: Spring is in fact a transitional period between the winter weather
systems and summer weather systems. The length of spring is not the same in all loca-
tions; it is longer in the northwestern parts of the Iranian Plateau and Afghanistan as
compared to the central and southern parts.
During spring, the high-pressure systems usually detour toward the west but do
not totally disappear. In May, a series of low-pressure systems, which originate
from the Azure Islands, appear in such a way that the slope direction of the system
is not toward the Mediterranean Sea but the pressure (if any) flows from the west of
Mediterranean to its east.
Summer Season: Low-pressure weather system dominates over southern Asia in
summer. To the north of this low-pressure system, there is a high-pressure system
originating from the Azure Islands. One of the effects of this high-pressure system
is that a significant volume of oceanic weather starts moving toward central Europe,
the Mediterranean, and Alpine Mountains.
At the same time, high-pressure over the Indian Ocean covers a large area, and
weather systems flow toward the northeast.
The winds flowing toward the east come from two different oceanic sources. The
weather systems flow from the northwest direction, and therefore the direction of
major winds in summer shifts between the north and west.
1.7 Weather Systems 17
As opposed to winter, all weather systems in summer flow from oceans toward
lands, and since the direction of the summer winds almost parallels the trend of
mountains in the Iranian Plateau, the mountains do not block the winds and hence
the speed of summer winds is higher than that of the winter winds.
Winds blowing from the northwest are known as “North Wind” in the Persian
Gulf coast and mostly flow at the speed of 10 m/s in the middle of summer.
Although these winds lose their strength in August, they retain their direction.
The strongest winds in summer blow in the Sistan area, which are known as the
120-day winds. The winds blowing from the north flow perpendicular to the
northern mountain range and enter into the plateau via the deep Harrir-rud
Valley and Morghab River Valley. This wind system starts flowing from late
May and continues until late August or early September and reigns all over the
Sistan area.
The average speed of the 120-day winds has been measured as much as
10 m/s or 36 km/h. The highest speed is usually between 72 and 90 km/h, but in one
exceptional case a speed of 126 km/h was recorded. At the time these winds blow,
the land becomes so dusty that all human activities come to a standstill.
The winds blowing from the northwest are of remarkable speed and effects, and
the sandy deserts in Lut Kavir confirm this.
Based on the aforesaid facts, the Atlantic Ocean is the source for the summer
winds in Iran, which can be termed as the seasonal Atlantic Ocean winds that pro-
ceed to almost Near East region.
The northwest winds are of basically oceanic origin but as they lose their mois-
ture while crossing over the hot deserts in Syria and Iraq, they turn into dry winds.
The effect of seasonal Atlantic Ocean winds on the Near East and Middle East
regions is more than that of the seasonal Indian Ocean winds.
The Seasonal Indian Ocean winds bring about torrential rains during summer
over Pakistan and India, and since their direction is SW-NE, they just brush up the
southeast corner of Iran (Chabahar) and no sign of the winds is seen in the other
parts of Iran.
Autumn Season: Autumn is also a transitional period between the summer weather
systems and winter weather systems, meaning the weather systems of summer
transform gradually toward wintery systems.
1.7.2 Precipitation
Winter Season: Those winds blowing from low-pressure zones in Central Asia
toward west remain dry if they do not cross over lakes and therefore bring no
rainfall to the Near East region. Upon reviewing the rainfall statistics, it is real-
ized that much of the precipitation in Iran occurs in winter, so the source of
rainfall in Iran cannot be Central Asia. Then, what is the source for the winter
rainfall in Iran?
Wiickmann (1922) described the low-pressure weather systems in Asia Minor

and concluded:
Since the nature of the rainfalls in Asia Minor and Iranian Plateau are completely similar to
each other, it is most likely reasonable to accept that a few rain cloud systems come from
low pressure system in Asia Minor that reach the Iranian Plateau and even India after crossing
over north, south, and center parts of Iranian Plateau and produce winter rainfalls in India.
Of course, there might be other factors to produce such rainfall, and one of these
is associated with the Caspian Sea.
There is no doubt that rainfalls over the Caspian Sea coast originate from this
very large sea. As mentioned before, in winter the cold front from Central Asia
crosses over the Aral and Caspian Seas and absorb significant volumes of moisture
off of these large water bodies. Once these moist winds from the east-northeast hit
the Alborz Mountains, they become condensed and produce significant rainfall.
During the winter, precipitation on most parts of the Iranian Plateau is in the
form of snow, which remains on the grounds and peaks higher than 3,000 m and
forms the water source for permanent rivers. It is to be noted that there are few
places in Iran with permanent snow reserves or glaciers and thus the limited number
of permanent rivers in Iran.
Spring Season: The average rainfall on the Caspian coasts during winter and spring
is almost the same. For example, the rainfall in the Port of Anzali in winter and
spring is 17 and 13% of the total annual rainfall, respectively. Although the rainfall
in Central Iran and the surrounding mountains is noticeable in spring, the precipita-
tion in local basins within the plateau in winter is much more than that of spring.
Spring in the southern part of the plateau is shorter than in the northern, northwest-
ern, and eastern parts.
Summer Season: Only on the Caspian coasts remarkable volume of rain pours down in
summer, and there is almost no rainfall in the other parts of Iran during this season.
The seasonal Indian Ocean winds bring rain clouds to a very limited area in the
southeast of Iran as the direction of these winds is from the southwest to northeast.
The extension of the summer weather system of the Azure Islands (which brings
significant rainfall to Europe and even causes river inundation) reaches the Iranian
Plateau. Although this system is of oceanic origin and is expected to bring rainfall
to Iran as well, as it crosses over the hot deserts before reaching Iran, it loses its
moisture due to the high temperature along the eastern coast of the Mediterranean
(about 16–17°C) and hot deserts on the east of Iran (26–28°C).
The thickness of the Indian Ocean clouds moving toward Iran does not exceed a
few hundred meters, and therefore they do not bring much rain; especially when
they rise up to the altitude of 1,000 m, they lose their rain-producing potentials due
to mixing with the northwestern weather systems.
Only 1/10 of the Iranian Plateau is affected by the seasonal Indian Ocean winds in
summers, and the remaining 9/10 is influenced by the passage of the northwestern
weather systems. In general, summer is a dry and arid season for the Iranian Plateau.
Autumn Season: The weather system in this season features a transitional state between
the summer and winter seasonal winds, meaning the seasonal Indian Ocean winds
1.7 Weather Systems 19
gradually recede toward the southeast allowing procession of the Atlantic Ocean
weather system into Iran, which produces 15% of the average annual rainfall.
The Caspian coast gets more rainfall in autumn than any other season, which in some
places accounts for 60% of the total annual rainfall. The climate situation in the Iranian
Plateau in autumn seems to be more or less the continuation of the summer climate.
1.7.3 Average Annual Rainfall
A brief overview of Iranian Plateau’s Annual Rainfall map (Nabavi 1994) makes us
realize that the Caspian coast is indeed where the most rainfall occurs. On the north-
ern flanks of the Alborz Mountain range (Talesh area), the amount of rainfall can
even reach 2,000 mm per year.
Next to the Caspian coast are areas in the western and northwestern part of Iran
where the average annual rainfall is 500 mm. Moreover, the peaks of Sahand and
Sabalan receive annually as much as 1,000 mm of precipitation.
The average annual rainfall in Iran decreases, moving from the northwest to the
southwest, and matching the direction of rain-bearing winds blowing from the
northwest to the southeast. The more these winds approach the southeastern parts,
the more they lose their moisture, and the reduction of rainfall from the northwest
to the southeast is explained.
1.7.4 Characteristics of Rainfall in the Iranian Plateau
Rainfall in the Iranian Plateau is as much noticeable as in the other arid and semiarid
areas. Torrential rain could result in significant flash floods. Weather change may be
accompanied by hailstorms (up to the size of a walnut) in some areas, which could
damage orchards and agricultural plants.
1.7.5 Genesis of Dry and Wet Weather Cycles
The Iranian Plateau has experienced many droughts, which severely damaged agri-
cultural production. Unfortunately not enough statistical data are available to help
figure out the pattern(s) of these wet and dry weather cycles.
Andreas and Stolze tried to analyze these cycles based on the famines that hap-
pened in Iran during 1860–1880, and also in comparison with the weather pattern in
India and Iran. They concluded that drought would happen every 10–11 years in
Iran, which matches the 11-year solar eclipse cycle. It is to be noted that droughts
were not the only reason for the loss of agricultural production but the swarms of
locust and other pests were the other factors causing such losses.
The elevation of the Caspian Sea is presently 28 m below the mean sea level, but
it experienced several fluctuations in the past. Bruckner (quoted in Seas and Lakes
of Iran, Shahrabi 1994) studied and analyzed the writings of historians, explorers,
and travelers between the years 880 and 1915 that documented these fluctuations
and concluded that the climate in the Iranian Plateau underwent changes every
30 years. This 30-year cycle has been named in his honor in meteorological litera-
ture. Bruckner believed the fluctuation of the Caspian Sea is a function of precipita-
tion onto this large body of water.
Some experts believe that the past climate of Iran suddenly turned arid. Therefore,
the source of rainfall in the Iranian Plateau is attributed to effective factors from a
distance of thousands of kilometers. The climatic conditions of Iran are not isolated
or local, and just like other parts of the world, they are governed by intracontinental
weather systems.
In general, the precipitation in central plateau is limited to 5–6 months and no
sign of rain is seen for the rest of the year.
Since the rainfall is sometimes in the form of torrential showers, the resulting water
either vaporizes or runs into marshy basins rapidly if no measure is taken to collect it.
Ancient Iranians were aware of the significance of such supplies and built storage
dams to collect the water to utilize over the dry season (Ministry of Energy 1973).
1.8 Aves
Iran has a wide range of bird species, and based on the statistical data, about 500 spe-
cies have so far been identified, of which more than 350 species are reproducing in
Iran (Darehshouri and Kasraian 1998). This diversity is due to the geographic loca-
tion of Iran as it is situated between several biogeographic areas with specific bird
species. Out of these 350 species, 250 belong to other geographic provinces where
they evolved and then migrated to Iran and found habitat similar to their original
ones to survive and reproduce.
In fact, close to 50 bird species that live in relatively cool plains and forest in the
Caspian and Azerbaijan areas belong to the Asian and mild European vast wood-
lands and steppes (Darehshouri and Kasraian 1998). This part of Northern Iran con-
stitutes the southern fringes of their habitats. Some of these birds include green
woodpecker, dotted woodpecker, Divar-khazak, and Elikaei. About 40 bird species
from the mild European deciduous forests are seen on northern and western Iran, and
in forests within the Alborz, Azerbaijan, and Zagros areas. Some of these birds
include wild pigeon, starling, blue-headed cyanistes, and bullfinch.
Another 30 bird species related to the warm Mediterranean bushlands live in scarce
forests in Zagros and southern flanks of Alborz, which they have found to be suitable
for survival. Some of these birds include Syrian woodpecker (garden woodpecker),
black-headed cyanistes, and Cinereous bunting (Darehshouri and Kasraian 1998).
Only a few bird species belonging to warm steppes of Turkistan and southern
Russia live in steppe-like environment in north and northeast of Iran.
Out of the 350 bird species that are reproducing in Iran, only 45 belong to these vast
areas. The abundance and diversity of these species in dry and arid habitats are limited.
Alborz heights, and Zagros to some extent, are the habitat for some birds, which are
1.10 Mountains 21
native of the mountain ranges in south of Eurasia. About 15 species belong to a widely
spread faunal group that spreads from the southern Europe to the Himalayan Mountains.
There are birds in the southern part of Iran with African or Indian origin whose distri-
bution area is bordered with the coastal plains and southern flanks of Zagros.
1.9 Mammals
Due to the large extent of Iran and its location between Saudi Arabia, Caucasus,
Turkistan, and India, and more importantly because of the unique nature of the Iranian
Plateau, a wide variety of fauna is seen in Iran. Mammals around the world are catego-
rized into 20 orders or 4,000 species. The mammals in Iran belong to 160 species
related to 10 orders, which is high considering the area of Iran. The continent of Europe,
with an area four times larger than Iran, has less mammal species (Darehshouri and
Kasraian 1998).
Some of these mammals play a significant role in preserving the ecosystem, for
example, Persian squirrel, Iranian fallow deer, zebra, wild goat (capra), and gerbil
play important roles in reviving the oak forests of Zagros.
About 20% of the mammalian population of Iran are native to this land, among
which Iranian fallow deer, zebras, capras, and Iranian squirrels can be cited. Some
mammals and rodents have migrated to Iran from other places like Touran, and
some mammals with origin of Touran entered Iran from the northeast including
Roobah Sardom Siah, Payka, Jard-e Nimrooz and some other rodents. Roobah
Sardom Siah exclusively settled on the southeast plains of Caspian, whereas Payka
and other rodents spread furthermore inside Iran.
Baluchistan was the passageway for different mammals moving from India to
Iran, but they could not spread far due to the cold weather and high elevation that
acted as a barrier on the way of migration.
There are also some mammals living in the south and southeastern parts of Iran
that are of African origin.
It can be stated that more than 50% of mammals in Iran are of Euroasian origin,
20% are native, 15% Indian, and the rest are African and those common in all of the
aforementioned areas (Darehshouri and Kasraian 1998).
1.10 Mountains
Except the narrow plains along the Caspian Sea and the Persian Gulf and Khouzestan
Region, Iran is considered as a highland with an average elevation of 1,000 m. The
lowest point in Iran is located in salt plain northeast of Shahdad on the margin of
Lut Kavir with an elevation of 350 m, and the highest point is Mount Damavand
with a height of 5,774 m in the Alborz Mountain range. In fact, Iran is a land that
consists of a central plateau with mountainous margin, and this mountainous margin
includes four mountainous areas; northern (Alborz) mountains, Zagros Mountains,
central mountains, and eastern mountains.
1.10.1 Northern Mountain Ranges
These mountains are divided into three sections: Alborz, Khorasan, and Azerbaijan
mountains.
Alborz Mountains: This mountain range stretches for 950 km, and its width varies
from 15 to 110 km (Orohydrography Map of Iran 1994). It covers an area of approx-
imately 51,500 km2. The Alborz Mountains begin at Ali-abad Mountains in Gorgan,
extends like a bow along the south of the Caspian Sea and ends in Astara.
The Alborz Mountains act as a barrier between the Caspian Sea and the Iranian
Plateau, obstructing the humidity from Caspian. This range includes several moun-
tains such as Talesh, Guilan, Lahijan, Deylaman, and the major Alborz Mountains.
The peaks of these mountains are covered with snow most of the year, where several
permanent rivers originate (especially on the northern flank). The valleys of these
rivers are narrow and deep. The highest peak in these mountains is Damavand with
a maximum elevation of 5,774 m, which is the highest peak in Iran. There are many
hot springs around this peak. Besides Damavand, there is another high peak in these
mountains called Alam-kuh, which stands at 4,650 m (Jafari 2005).
The Alborz Mountains can be divided into three sections: western Alborz (from
Astara to Sefid-rud valley), central Alborz (from Sefid-rud valley to Talar River and
Firuzkuh), and eastern Alborz (from Talar River to Gorgan River and all the way to
the state border between Khorasan and Mazandaran Provinces).
Azerbaijan Mountains (Northwestern Iran): These highlands start from the Ararat
Mountains and extends through the Ghezel Ozan River valley, ending in Talesh
Mountains. These mountain ranges include several peaks such as Arasbaran,
Sabalan, Sahand and Boz-ghoosh, Mishou-dagh and Gharah-dash, or Takab-
Shahindezh, which together cover an area of 63,000 km2. These mountains are the
source for several permanent rivers such as Aras, Talkheh-rud, and some tributaries
of Ghezel Ozan. The highest peak within this mountain range is Sabalan with a
height of 4,811 m that is permanently covered with snow (Jafar 2005).
The highest peaks in Arasbaran, Sahand and Boz-ghoosh, Mishou-dagh and
Takab, or Gharah-dash are Kiyamaki-dagh (3,347 m), Sahand (3,707 m), Alamdar
(3,155 m), and Takhte-belgheys and Salim-khan (3,332 m), respectively.
Khorasan Mountains (Northeastern Iran): These mountains are situated between
the Gorgan and Tajan valleys, and their most important peaks are Kopeh-dagh and
Hezar-masjed in north of Khorasan, and Aladagh, Binaloud and Shah-jahan in south
of Khorasan. These mountains are mostly lower in height and are easy to pass
through, which made it easy for the invaders from Central Asia.
This mountain range covers an area of 48,000 km2 and extends as long as 531 km
in the northern part (Comprehensive Geography of Iran 1987). The Hezar-masjed
and Binaloud heights are separated by the Atrak and Kashaf-rud Rivers. The highest
peak in the Khoransan mountain range is Binaloud (3,249 m). The mountains in
northern Khorasan are the source of important rivers such as Atrak, Daroungar,
Kashaf-rud, Kal-shoor, and Jajarm.
1.10 Mountains 23
Due to the polar winds blowing from the north, these mountains experience cold
winters and mild summers. There are scarce forests seen at the border of Khoransan
with Turkmenistan. These mountains keep off Turkmenistan’s dry summer and cold
winter weather from entering into northern Khorasan.
1.10.2 Zagros Mountains
These mountains begin in Kordestan and extend to Khouzestan, Fars, and the southern
coast. The length of this mountain range is about 1,000 km and its width around
200 km. These mountains are much more expanded, well ordered, and simpler
(from stratigraphical standpoint) than Alborz. Most geographers call Zagros as
“Great Jura” because there are well-ordered and compressed anticlines and synclines
than those seen in Alborz, and look like what is seen in the Jura Mountains of
Europe (Comprehensive Geography of Iran 1987).
Western and Southwestern Mountain Ranges: The highest mountains in Lorestan
are Oshtoran-kuh (4,050 m) and Garin (3,645 m). In middle Zagros, the highest
peak is Dena (5,200 m), which is the highest in all Zagros Mountain range. In
northern Zagros (Kordestan and Kermanshahan), the highest mountains are
Chehel-cheshmeh (3,173 m), Shahou (3,390 m), and Parou (3,357 m). The Alvand
Peak in Hamedan Province with a height of 3,580 m is one of most beautiful moun-
tains in Iran.
The Zagros Mountain blocks the moisture coming from the Mediterranean and
Atlantic Ocean on their western flanks, resulting in the formation of huge reserves
of snow and ice. The water produced due to melting of these reserves runs down
through numerous valleys, such as Karoon, Karkheh, and Zayandeh-rud. The rivers
originating from Zagros erode the mountains, especially in the northern and central
parts. In some places, rivers like Zab and Sirvan cut the mountains sharply, while in
the southern part, due to orderly folding of Zagros, rivers carve their valley parallel to
the axis of the mountains (Orohydrography Map of Iran 1994).
The Zagros Mountain range is among the most magnificent mountains of the
world. They gradually lose height moving from north to south, and the amount of
rainfall and humidity drop accordingly, while the temperature rises. The part of
Zagros that starts from north and extends to the Karoon basin is called moist Zagros,
and the southeastern part of it is called as dry Zagros.
1.10.3 Central Mountains
These mountain ranges stretch in the Central Iran in a NW–SE direction (from
Ghaflan-kuh and intersection of Zanjan and Ghezel Ozan rivers to Makran and
slopes of Bazman Mountain).
These mountain ranges can be divided into smaller parts such as Ghaflan-kuh,
Karkas-kuh, Shir-kuh, Kuh-banan, Laleh-zar mountains, and Jebal-barez. Some of the
characteristics of these mountain ranges are low rainfall, sudden weather change, gusty
winds, scarcity of permanent rivers, and turbulent seasonal rivers during severe rainfall.
The important peaks within these ranges are Karkas (3,895 m) on the southeast
of Kashan, Shir-kuh (4,055 m) on the east of Yazd, Kuh-banan (3,775 m) on the
north of Kerman, Laleh-zar (4,351 m) on the north of Baft, and Hezar with 4,465 m
on the southwest of Rayen.
The length of the central mountain ranges up to the slopes of the Bazman
Mountain is 1,460 km, and it covers an area of 143,000 km2 (Jafari 2005;
Orohydrography Map of Iran 1994). Some rivers like Halil-rud, Ghara-chay, Ghoh-
rud, and Shoor originate from these mountains.
From a geological standpoint, most mountains in Central Iran are considered to be
part of the Zagros structure because of their vicinity and climate and rainfall regimes.
These mountains include those in Kordestan, Hamedan, Boroujerd, and south of Arak.
1.10.4 Eastern Mountains
These mountains form scattered spots on the west of Torbat-jam and stretch south-
wardly as long as 1,000 km between the Namak and Lut deserts on one side and
Iran’s border with Afghanistan and Pakistan on the other. They finally connect to
the mountains on the north of the Oman Sea and the south of Baluchistan. These
mountains cover an area of 133,000 km2 (Jafari 2005; Orohydrography Map of Iran
1994).
Eastern-southeastern mountain ranges can be divided into the following
sections:
(a) Southern Khorasan mountains known as Ghahestan (including mountains in
Gonabad, Ferdows, Tabas, and Birjand areas)
(b) Mountains in Sistan-Baluchestan including Taftan, Koohak, Bazman, Nosrat-
abad, Chah-shahi mountains, and mountains in Makran (including mountains in
Sarbaz, Iranshahr, Fanooj, and north of Chah-bahar areas)
1.11 Seas
The Caspian Sea is located on the north and the Persian Gulf and Oman Sea are on
the south of Iran.
1.11.1 Caspian Sea
The Caspian Sea, with an area of about 436,000 km2, is the largest lake on Earth,
whose elevation is 25–29 m below the open sea level. The depth of the Caspian Sea
1.11 Seas 25
is 10–12 m in its northern part, 770 m in the middle, and up to 1,000 m in the
southern part (Shahrabi 1994).
The Caspian Sea was a part of Para-Tethys and departed from the Black and
Mediterranean Seas after the final stage of Alpine Orogeny in the form of its current
shape forming a lake (Shahrabi 1994).
The amount of salinity in the Caspian Sea is 1/3 of that in open seas and oceans.
This sea had more than 70 names during past centuries, and it was named after
the tribes living around this sea at the time. It is known as the Caspian Sea world-
wide, except in Iran where it is called Khazar, the name of a tribe that used to live
around the Caspian Sea in the sixteenth century.
More than two thirds of the volume of water of the Caspian Sea is located in its
southern part, and considering the area of Iran, it can be stated that a significant part
of this volume is within the Iranian territory.
The water sources feeding the Caspian Sea are (Shahrabi 1994)
• Surface runoff, streams, and rivers, of which 95–97% originate from rivers in
Russia such as the Volga River, and only 2–3% is supplied by the rivers from Iran
• Annual rainfall that could raise the water level in the Caspian Sea by 125–135 cm
• Underground water and springs, which supply 30% of the water fed into the
Caspian Sea
The Caspian Sea spreads more than 10° in geographic latitude, which results in
a considerable temperature difference between its north and south ends. The aver-
age annual temperature rises when moving from northern part to south. The average
annual temperature is 8 °C in the northern part and 18 °C in the southern part
(Shahrabi 1994). The northern part of the Caspian Sea is mostly frozen during
winter as opposed to the southern part that never experience glaciation.
Taking into account the significant position of the Caspian Sea between Asia and
Europe, this sea has always been important to the people of the region and has been
used as a route for sea transportation. Many biological species including fishes,
seals, and crabs live in the Caspian Sea. It also contains large reserves of oil and gas,
and in fact it is the second most important oil and gas reserve after the Persian Gulf
(Ghorbani 2009a).
1.11.2 Persian Gulf
The Persian Gulf is a marginal sea with a length of 900 km and width of 240 km,
whose depth varies from 35 to 100 m (Shahrabi 1994). It is located on the south of
Iran and is connected to the Oman Sea and Indian Ocean via a narrow strait with a
width of 60 km, called Hormuz. This gulf formed 35 million years ago and was
much larger than it is today.
The Persian Gulf features a dry and subtropical climate, and due to its position
between areas with continental climate, it experiences many seasonal changes.
The temperature in summer reaches up to 50 °C. The dominance of northerly winds
on its coast exposes it to permanent desert winds.
The deepest point of the gulf is near Ras al-Musandam (182 m), and the
shallowest point is 30 m. In general, the depth of 1/3 of the gulf does not exceed
36 m (Shahrabi 1994). The volume of water filling the gulf is about 13,000 billion
cubic meters, which flows from the northwest toward the southwest.
Much of its water is salty and only a small amount of water coming from the
Zagros Mountains is fresh, but generally its degree of salinity is less than that of the
oceans (Shahrabi 1994).
Historical evidence shows that around 2,600 B.C. sailors were living along the
coasts of the Persian Gulf. It houses many islands that once were in the territory and
jurisdiction of Iran, but only ten of them are currently part of the country. They
include Larak, Hormuz, Qeshm, Hengam, Kish, Lavan, Khark, Lesser Tonb, Greater
Tonb, and Abu Musa.
The Persian Gulf is rich in different flora and fauna. One of Iran’s non-oil exports
is the fishery products from this gulf. The gulf contains the largest oil and gas
reserves of the country that have been exploited till date.
1.11.3 Oman Sea (Makran Sea)
The Oman Sea is part of the Indian Ocean and the only open seaway of Iran. The
Persian Gulf is connected to the open seas in the world via the Strait of Hormuz and
Oman Sea. This sea is bordered by Iran in the north, and Pakistan and India in the
east, Arabian Peninsula in the west, and Indian Ocean in the south. The length of the
Oman Sea from the Strait of Hormuz to Deccan is about 600 km, and it covers an
area of 900,000 km2. It is relatively deep and its depth near Chabahar is 3,398 m.
The length of the coastline of the Oman Sea in Iran is 784 km.
Tropic of Cancer passes from the north of this sea, which makes the Oman Sea
one of the warmest seas in southwest Asia. The maximum temperature of the sur-
face of the sea reaches 33 °C in summer, and the minimum temperature is 19.8 °C
(Shahrabi 1994).
There are many small local bays along the coast of the Oman Sea but are not suit-
able for large ships to dock because they are shallow and sandy. The water of the Oman
Sea is somehow salty, and the tidal system is as irregular as it is in the Persian Gulf.
Due to dry weather, extreme heat, lack of rainfall, and lack of vegetation within
the basin of the Oman Sea, permanent rivers are limited, and most of the rivers are
seasonal with low or no currents in most of the year.
1.12 Lakes
Most lakes in Iran are the remnants of once a large sea, parts of which turned into swamps
and parts still exist. The most important existing lakes are Orumiyeh, Qom Namak,
Bakhtegan, Gav-khouni, Jazmourian, Zarivar, Maharlou, Parishan, Tar, and Hamoun.
Lake Orumyeh: This lake, with an area of more than 5,000 km2, is one of the shal-
lowest lakes in the world, which is located in the Western Azerbaijan Province, on
1.12 Lakes 27
northwestern Iran. It is 140 km long and its width varies from 15 to 50 km. The water
is supersaturated by salts (23% almost twice as salty as the oceans), and thus has no
fish species. The pH of water in this lake is between 7.2 and 7.6 (Shahrabi 1994).
Many aquatic and bird species live on the mud flats around the lake including
white pelicans and flamingos. The most significant creature living in this lake is a
rare species of crustaceans called Artemia salina that feeds on green algae.
Three well-known rivers called Talkheh-rud (160 km long), Zarrineh-rud (240 km
long), and Simineh-rud terminate into this lake.
Qom Namak Lake: This lake covers an area of more than 30,000 km2 located 120 km
south of Tehran. The area of the lake immensely varies due to the changes in water
input and seasonal conditions. Two-thirds of the area of the lake is covered with
irregular polygonal salt sheets, and in some cases with salt humps measuring
6–20 cm in thickness (Shahrabi 1994).
There are six islands within this lake, five of them are small and one (Kuh-e
Sargardan) large with an area of 100 km2. They are made up of volcanic rocks.
The main water sources feeding this lake are Gharah-chay, Jajroud, and a branch
of Rud-e Shoor.
Lake Bakhtegan (Neyriz): This lake, with an area of approximately 800 km2, is located
160 km east of Shiraz. The length of Lake Bakhtegan is 77 km, and its width is 10 km
(Shahrabi 1994). It is shallow so that the deepest point of the lake is 1.10 m. Since the
main part of the lake is covered with salt, the water of this lake is very salty.
There are a few islands and peninsulas within this lake whose area depends on
the annual rainfall rate. The major water source of this lake is the Kor River, which
originates from the Baraftab and Mousa-khani Mountains. The elevation of this lake
is 1,558 above the mean sea level (Shahrabi 1994).
Lake Gav-khouni (Gav-khouni Swamp): This lake or swamp is shallow and covers an
area of about 480 km2. Its elevation is 1,470 m (Shahrabi 1994). Gav-khouni is
located southeast of Isfahan in Central Iran and is fed by the Zayandeh-rud River.
Because most rivers and streams running into this swamp are dry during much of
the year, the size of the area of the swamp varies in different seasons. The swamp is
covered with canebrake, and the water of the lake is salty.
Arid climate reigns over this area, causing the evaporation rate to surpass water
input, and therefore large areas surrounding the swamp are covered with salt marshes
and sand dunes with diverse plant species. Of these plants, tamarisks and soaproots
are the most well known. The name Gav-khouni comes from two ancient words, Gav
(meaning large) and khooni (meaning well), which can be translated to “large well.”
Lake Jazmourian (Jazmourian Swamp): This lake or swamp covers an area of
approximately 1,100 km2, and its elevation is 350 m (Shahrabi 1994). Due to specific
climatic condition and evaporation, large part of this lake (59%) turns into salt
marsh and mud flat for much of the year. Its water is also supersaturated with salt in
dry seasons.
This shallow lake is bounded between two mountains, and two rivers of Bampour
and Halil-rud are the main water supply to this lake. It has been named after a tiny
local thorn plant.
Lake Zarivar: This lake is located 8 km west of the city of Marivan in the Kordestan
Province. Since the water resource flowing into this lake comes from melting of
snow reserves, this lake has freshwater. It covers an area of 8.5 km2 and is sur-
rounded by relatively high mountains. The elevation of Lake Zarivar is 818 m above
the sea level. Its deepest part is 50 m and the average depth is 10 m (Shahrabi
1994).
The Cham River, along with other streams and springs, supplies the water of this
lake. Dating studies on samples from this lake have shown that Lake Zarivar was
formed around 200 B.C. in a cold climate condition (Shahrabi 1994). The weather
of the area is cold in winter, mild to cold in autumn and spring, and mild in summer.
For its beautiful sceneries and green nature, many tourists visit this area.
Lake Maharlou: This lake is located about 18 km southwest of Shiraz. The elevation
of the lake is 1,460 m above the sea level and its maximum depth is 3 m (Shahrabi
1994). The evaporation rate is high due to its shallow depth. A part of its bottom is
covered with salt. Water exists only in the central and northern parts of the lake with
shallow depth and high salinity. The main water resources supplying this lake are
rivers and streams coming from the northwest and southeast. Its surface area varies
in different seasons and is a function of rainfall. Besides the high evaporation rate,
the gypsum deposits of Sachoon Formation and also two salt domes on the east of
this lake have significant impact on the extreme salinity of this lake.
Lake Parishan: Lake Parishan or Lake Famour is located 15 km southwest of the
city of Kazeroon. The name Famour has been derived from the Famour Mountain
on the northeast of the lake. It is a freshwater lake, and most of its water comes
from the streams running down the Famour Mountain, and the rest is supplied by
groundwater resources. The shallow depth of the lake causes parts of it to be cov-
ered with evaporative deposits in dry season. Lake Parishan covers an area of
43 km2 and it is positioned in a shallow depression whose elevation is 820 m above
the sea level (Shahrabi 1994).
Lake Tar: This lake is located 30 km east of Damavand city, and it is one of the
mountainous freshwater lakes. Its elevation is 2,900 m above the sea level, and it is
accessible through the Damavand–Tar road.
The length of the lake at its longest stretch is 1.3 km and its width is 400 m
(Shahrabi 1994). The origin of the water resources pouring into this lake are springs
in Gharah-dagh, Siyah-chal, and Shah-neshin mountains in the north, and seasonal
streams in the south, which partly pour into Late Tar and partly feed the Tar River.
Lake Hamoun: This lake, with an area of about 1,800 km2, is the largest lake in east
of Iran and consists of three main basins of Yozak, Saberi, and Hirmand, which are
separated in low rainfall seasons and during the 120-day winds but regroup into one
body in high rainfall seasons (Shahrabi 1994). Hirmand is in Iran, and a part of the
Saberi basin is in Afghanistan. Many rivers and streams discharge water into Lake
Hamoun, but among them only the Hirmand River has the highest flow rate.
1.14 Rivers 29
1.13 Watersheds
The network of running water in Iran can be divided into four areas with respect to
natural water flows, course condition, slope of water resources, estuaries, and the
basins (The Balance Report on Water Resources of Iran, Office of Water Resource
Research Organization 2005–2006):
• North intake basin: The water flow direction within this basin is usually toward
the north pouring into the Caspian basin.
• Western and southern intake basin: The water flow direction within this basin is
toward the west and south, and ultimately ends in the Persian Gulf and Oman Sea.
• Lateral intake basin: The water flow direction is toward depressions and confined
basins adjacent to Iran on the east or north side.
• Central intake basin: This includes confined basins within the central Iranian
Plateau. Most of the water supply of Iran belongs to this area, but due to its cli-
matic conditions the area is considered as dry with low rainfall. The course of the
water flow within this area is controlled by the mountain ranges surrounding the
plateau. Alborz and Zagros are the water distributor inside and outside the Iranian
Plateau.
Considering the characteristics and geographical position of each one of these
intake basins, 12 watersheds have been defined that gather water discharge from the
aforementioned intake basins. Two of them are major basins located in north and
south, another two basins are lateral, and the remaining eight basins are of confined
type. Below is a list of these basins:
Isfahan and Gav-khouni basin, Jazmourian basin, Persian Gulf and Oman Sea basin,
Lake Orumiyeh basin, Lake Hamoun basin, Caspian Sea basin, Lut Kavir basin,
Gharaghorom basin, Namak Kavir (Dashte Kavir) basin, Neyriz and Shiraz
basin, and Yazd and Ardestan basin.
1.14 Rivers
Due to the mountainous characteristics in parts of Iran, many present-day large and
small rivers have been the source of life in various parts of deserts and mountains in
Iran for a very long time.
In general, the rivers in Iran are divided into two categories (Afshin 1994):
• Caspian Sea
• Persian Gulf
1.14.1 Caspian Sea Category
Most rivers in this category originate from the northern slopes of the Alborz
Mountains. Because of the short distance from Alborz to the Caspian Sea, these
rivers do not stretch very long.
Aras River: This river is 800 km long and originates from the Hezar Berkeh (thou-
sand pounds) mountains in Turkey, which forms part of Iran’s border with Azerbaijan
and Armenia, and discharges into the Caspian Sea around a place called Salian.
Some of its branches flowing into Iran are Maku, Khoy, and Marand rivers.
Sefid-rud: It is called Armdus in Greek, Ghezel Ozan in Azerbaijani, and Nahrol
Abyaz in Arabic literatures (Afshin 1994). In the medieval era, the whole river was
called Sefid-rud, but nowadays only the part of the river running between Manjil
and the Caspian Sea is called as Sefid-rud. This river originates from Chehel-
cheshmeh in Kordestan. Its important tributaries are Gharanghou, Miyaneh, Hasht-
rud, Zanjan-rud, Shal, Gadiv (which come from the Khalkhal area), and Shahrood
River (which comes from the Taleghan and Alamut area that joins Sefid-rud before
reaching Manjil Gorge). The whole river system eventually is called Sefid-rud and
discharges into the Caspian Sea at a point called Hassan-kiyadeh.
Seh-hezar River: This river originates from Salim-bar and Kandovan, and after
feeding the Tonekabon area, it pours into the Caspian Sea.
Chaloos River: It is 80 km long and originates from the northern slope of the
Taleghan and Kandovan mountains. After two tributaries of Zanoos and Mikhsaz
join the Chaloos River, it pours into the Caspian Sea.
Haraz River: This river originates from the Lar Valley in north of Damavand. Its
significant tributary is the Noor River, which joins Haraz at a point called Kiyalvand,
and once it passes Amol, it pours into the Caspian Sea in the Babolsar area. The
Haraz River is 150 km long.
Babol River: This river is almost 78 km long and originates from Savad-kuh. After it
passes west of Babol city, it pours into the Caspian Sea in the Babolsar area.
Talar River: This river also originates from Savad-kuh, and once it passes the city of
Ghaem-shahr, it pours into the Caspian Sea. The Talar River is 150 km long.
Tajan River: This river originates from around Rud-bar-e Hezar Jarib and stretches
for 120 km long. Once it passes east of Sari, it pours into the Caspian Sea at a place
called KhazarAbad (Farahabad).
Neka River: This river originates from Shah-kuh in the Gorgan area, and its well-
known branch is called Shoor-ab. The Neka River is 100 km long and pours into the
Gorgan Bay.
Gorgan River: This river originates from the Aladagh mountains, and it is 300 km
long. Some of its significant tributaries are the Nardin River that originates from the
Jajarm and Ab-e Garm River, which joins the Gorgan River once it passes Sangsar.
1.14 Rivers 31
The Gorgan River splits into two branches once it passes Kooklan and old city of
Jorjan. One branch pours into Khajeh Nafs, and the other pours into the Gorgan Bay.
Atrak River: This river originates from the Hezar-masjed mountains and pours into
the Hossein-gholi Bay in southeast of the Caspian Sea. Different sources cite the
length of Atrak River as long as 500–600 km.
1.14.2 Persian Gulf Category
The most important rivers in this category are as follows:

Gamasiyab River: This river originates from the Chehel-nabaleghan mountains in
Nahavand, and its tributaries are the Mahidasht, Ghara-sou, and Diner rivers, which
join Gamasiyab in Kermanshahan. Southwardly from Sirvan this river is called
Seymareh, and at a point called Pay-e Pol its name changes to Karkheh. Its water
discharge is collected behind the Karkheh Dam and a part of it feeds the western
part of the Khouzestan Plain and the rest joins the Tigris River in Iraq via the marsh
lands along the Iran-Iraq border. Gamasiyab is 200 km long and 20–50 m wide. Its
depth varies from 0.5 to 2 m (Afshin 1994).
Karoon River: This river (including its tributaries) is the longest river of Iran with a
total length of 890 km and is the only river in Iran suitable for shipping. Its width
varies from 250 to 900 m in different locations (Afshin 1994). Its main origin is in
the Zard-kuh Bakhtiyari mountains. The most important tributaries of this river are
Dez or Dezful River, which joins Karoon at a place called Band-e Ghir. Once Karoon
passes the city of Ahwaz, it splits into two branches: Bahman-shir, which pours in
the Persian Gulf, and Karoon, which joins the Arvand-rud River. Karoon is a perma-
nent river, and its annual volume of water running through this river has been mea-
sured as much as 24 billion m3 (Afshin 1994).
Jarrahi River: This river is one of the most important rivers pouring in the Persian
Gulf and Oman Sea basin, and most of it flows in the Khouzestan Province. The
Jarrahi River originates from the mountains around Khouzestan and has two tribu-
taries: Ab-e Zolal and Maroon, which join each other at a place called Kalat and
form the Jarrahi River. This river is a permanent river with the highest flow rate in
March. Its width varies from 100 to 200 m, and the average depth is 2–3 m. The
length of the Jarrahi River from Maroon to its estuary is 520 km (Afshin 1994).
Hendijan River: It is also called as Zohreh River and originates from Kohkilouyeh.
Its major tributaries are Ab-e Shirin or Kheyr-abad and Ab-e Shoor or Shoolestan.
The latter pours in the Persian Gulf once it passes Hendijan.
Dalaki River: This river originates from the mountains surrounding Dasht-e Arjan
and has two tributaries: Dalaki and Shapour, which join each other at a place called
Koolan and pour in the Persian Gulf once they pass Rohaleh. The Dalaki River is
225 km long, and the size of the area of its watershed is 5,620 km2 (Afshin 1994).
This is a permanent river, and most of its water comes from the carbonaceous
springs. Due to the presence of salty geological formations on the course of this
river, the water at the end of the Dalaki River tastes salty and is undesirable.
Karkheh River: One of the most important rivers in the Persian Gulf and Oman Sea
basin is the Karkheh River, but it does not directly pour into the Persian Gulf. This
river has several major tributaries, among which Gamasiyab and Gharah-sou are the
most important. The overall length of the Karkheh River is 875 km, and its width
varies from 150 to 200 m. The average depth of this river is 4–6 m (Afshin 1994). It
is a permanent river that feeds many towns and cities alongside its course.
Halil-rud River: This river is one of the most important rivers within the Jazmourian
basin, and also one of the rivers with most amount of water in Kerman Province.
The Halil-rud River collects water coming from the southern slopes of Hezar, Bid-
khan, and Barez mountains, and after feeding the towns and villages alongside, it
pours in the Jazmourian basin. The length of this river is 440 km, and the size of the
area of its watershed is 8,300 km2, which expands to 20,000 km2 at the end of the
course (Afshin 1994). The Halil-rud River is a permanent river due to the presence
of snowy heights and mountain rainfall in the northern part of the basin.
Mehran River: This is one of the rivers within the Persian Gulf and Oman Sea basin,
which originates from the mountains south of Lar and pours in the Persian Gulf at a
point north of Qeshm Island. The Mehran River is a torrential river and lacks significant
base flow as it dries out in summer. The water is salty and undrinkable. The length of
the river is 380 km, and the area of its surface is 8,400 km2 (Afshin 1994).
Shoor River: This river originates from the Darab mountains and pours in the Persian
Gulf at a point north of Qeshm Island. It is 45 km long, and the size of the area of
its watershed is 80 km2 (Afshin 1994). This is a permanent river, and its water at the
end of the course tastes salty because it flows through salt-bearing geological for-
mation on its journey to the Persian Gulf.
Minab River: It is one of the most important and largest rivers in the Hormuzgan
Province, which originates from the mountains in east of Darab. It pours in the
Persian Gulf at a point north of Strait of Hormuz. The Minab River is 300 km long,
and it is a permanent river (Afshin 1994). The water regime of this river is controlled
by rainfall and flood water.
Zayanedeh-rud River: This river is one of the most important and largest rivers
within the central basins of Iran with massive amounts of water. It drains Isfahan
and Gav-khouni watershed basin and ends in the Gav-khouni swamp. Zayandeh-
rud is formed by the joining of springs, streams, and rivers originating from the
eastern slopes of Zagros and high mountains of Zard-kuh Bakhtiyari (one of the
highest points is 4,221 m above the mean sea level). Its course is meandering and
flows through high mountains and as it enters the Isfahan Plain, its gradient
decreases. After it feeds the Isfahan Plain, it pours in the Gav-khouni swamp. The
length of the Zayandeh-rud River is 405 km, and the size of the area of its water-
shed basin is 31,000 km2 (Afshin 1994). The water regime of this river is rainy and
torrential.
1.15 Deserts 33
There are some other rivers that originate from sources outside Iran, and some of
these are given as follows:
Hirmand River: This river originates from the Kuh-e Baba Mountain in Afghanistan,
and it is 1,100 km long. One of its major tributaries is called Arghandab. Most of the
Hirmand River flows in Afghanistan, and only the last part of the river flows in Iran.
Once it feeds the Sistan Plain, it pours in Lake Hamoun. This river is a vital vein for
the people of this area. Its depth is about 3–4 m, and its width varies from 200 to
900 m (Afshin 1994).
The rainfall is low in the Hirmand watershed, and most of its water is supplied
by melting of snow on the Hindu Kush Mountains, and therefore its water regime is
irregular but permanent.
Harir-rud River: This river also originates from the southern slopes of Kuh-e Baba
Mountain in Afghanistan, and once it feeds the city of Herat, it flows toward the
north. The Harir-rud River forms part of the border between Iran and Afghanistan.
There are some rivers originating from inside Iran but their estuaries are outside
Iran, and some of these are given as follows:
Sirvan River: The name of the river is in fact Diyaleh, and only the part of the river
flowing in Iran is called Sirvan. The Diyaleh River originates from Kordestan, and
it joins the Tigris River at a point southeast of Baghdad in Iraq.
Zab Saghir River: This river is formed by joining of small rivers originating from
heights south of Lake Orumiyeh. It is 400 km long, and flows toward the southwest
of Iran, eventually entering Iraq and joining the Tigris River.
1.15 Deserts
The Central Iran basin has plains filled with Quaternary or Plio-Quaternary deposits
and sediments. The average elevation of these plains is 1,200 m above the sea level.
Most of these plains are seen on central and Eastern Iran. In the central parts of these
internal basins, there are large barren lands with low amounts of water and high degree
of evaporation mostly in the form of salt flats (playas), which are called “Kavir.”
The total area of the deserts of Iran is 34 million hectares, which is almost 20%
of the country’s surface area. The largest deserts of Iran are Lut and Namak located
in east and center of Iran.
There are two types of terranes seen in deserts (1) relatively large and regular
lands and (2) unstable lands.
According to Gabriel’s theory (Gabriel 1934), unstable lands (deserts) are mostly
seen close or adjacent to mountains, but large deserts are located in the center of
basins.
Sven Hedin (1910) has mentioned in a report that the surface of the deserts con-
sists of 10 cm of clay and mud, underlain by a layer of salt with a thickness of
15 cm, and ultimately there is water at the depth of 1 m or below.
Fig. 1.2 Zagros area forests (Photographed by Alireza Amrikazemi)
Hedin compares the deserts in Iran to a sea that has been overturned, meaning as
moving down in depth, the amount of water increases. Unfortunately the water
resource in deserts is salty and bitter, and it is not potable (it is to be noted that these
shallow water supplies have been trapped within compact and impermeable clay
deposits).
The thin layer covering the surface of desert becomes sticky in the rain, which
makes traveling on these deserts hard. The salts in deserts are mainly common salt
(NaCl). But other types such as CaSO4, CaCl2, CaSO4.2H2O, MgCl2, and a little KCl
are also found in deserts. Some deserts are rich in salt mineral deposits like Khour-
Biyabanak, Mighan in Arak, and desert south of Varamin.
There are more than 60 deserts in Iran, and the most important deserts are Lut,
Khour-Biyabanak, Jandagh, Abar-kuh, and Damghan deserts.
It is assumed that the formation of deserts in Iran was the result of final stages of
Alpine Orogeny that caused the Iranian Plateau to lift up (especially in the southern
parts) and eustatic fall of sea level in Late Miocene and Early Pliocene.
Also, the retreat of glaciers in areas north of Iran 12,000–15,000 years ago
resulted in increased evaporation and decreased rainfall in the central parts of Iran,
which in turn led to the transformation of lakes to deserts. This matter indicates that
most deserts in Iran were once lakes. At present, there are no evidences to verify
whether Lut Desert was once a lake. In some parts, the Lut Desert was probably
filled with water.
Figures 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 1.10, 1.11, 1.12, 1.13, 1.14, 1.15,
1.16, 1.17, 1.18, 1.19, 1.20, and 1.21 show some natural sceneries of Iran.
1.15 Deserts 35
Fig. 1.3 Ancient rural dwellings in Meymand built in tuff and breccia and covered with hard
agglomerate (northeast of Meydook)
Fig. 1.4 Naghshe Rostam, Near Shiraz, Far Province (Photographed by Alireza Amrikazemi)
Fig. 1.5 A view of Takht-e Soleyman Spring and dried spring of Zendan-e Soleyman and ancient
city of Ganjeh near Takab (used to be called Shiz in Arabic, but it is known today as Takht-e
Soleyman) (Photographed by Alireza Amrikazemi)
Fig. 1.6 A view of Dena Mountains, Yasouj area, within Zagros Mountain range (Photographed
by Alireza Amrikazemi)
1.15 Deserts 37
Fig. 1.7 Sand dunes around Mesr Village (Jandagh suburbs) (Photographed by Mohsen Iranmanesh)
Fig. 1.8 A view of forest cover and rice fields in Lahijan (Photographed by Negar Ghorbani)
Fig. 1.9 Ripple marks on sands around Mesr Village (Jandagh suburbs) (Photographed by Mohsen
Iranmanesh)
Fig. 1.10 A view of Zayandeh-rud River in Isfahan (Photographed by Mohsen Iranmanesh)
1.15 Deserts 39
Fig. 1.11 Pol-e Dokhtar historic bridge in Miyaneh (Photographed by Mohsen Iranmanesh)
Fig. 1.12 Fist-shaped island in Lake Orumiyeh
Fig. 1.13 A view of young geologic formations in the form of island in Lake Orumiyeh
Fig. 1.14 A view of young faults (along the roadside of Zanjan-Tabriz Freeway) (Photographed
by Mohsen Iranmanesh)
1.15 Deserts 41
Fig. 1.15 A view of young faults (along the roadside of Zanjan-Tabriz Freeway) (Photographed
by Mohsen Iranmanesh)
Fig. 1.16 Mud volcano (Chabahar) (Photographed by Alireza Amrikazemi)
Fig. 1.17 Sandstone layers within Upper Red Formation with cranes’ nests on top (Location)
(Photographed by Mohsen Iranmanesh)
Fig. 1.18 Shivand Waterfall in the Zagros area
1.15 Deserts 43
Fig. 1.19 Margoon Waterfall in the Zagros area
Fig. 1.20 A view of erosion effects on Mishan Formation in Qeshm Island
Fig. 1.21 A view of prairies and forests in the northern part of Iran
Chapter 2
A Summary of Geology of Iran
Abstract This chapter presents an abridged description of the geology of Iran covering
the following areas:
• Stratigraphy of Iran from Late Precambrian to Quaternary along with a brief
introduction to various lithostratigraphic formations
• Structural units of Iran, orogenic phases, and major faults that played a significant
role in the geologic history of the country
• Magmatic activities of Iran, including igneous phases, intrusive and extrusive
rocks, and classification of ophiolitic complexes
The chapter provides the reader with a good knowledge about general geological
characteristics of Iran in an abridged form.
Keywords Geology of Iran • Faults of Iran • Stratigraphy of Iran• Magmatism of

Iran • Structural units of Iran • Orogenic phases of Iran • Basement of Iran
From a global tectonic point of view, Iran is part of the Alpine–Himalayan orogenic belt
that extends from the Atlantic Ocean to the Western Pacific. Most European and Asian
geologists believe that this belt represents the great Tethys sea once located between
two large continents, Gondwana and Laurasia, during the Paleozoic–Mesozoic eras.
For a more detailed information on the geology of Iran, refer to the geology of
Iran (Ghorbani 2012a).
2.1 Structural Divisions of Iran
Iran is divided into several structural units, each characterized by a relatively unique
record of stratigraphy, magmatic activities, metamorphism, orogenic events, tectonics,
and overall geological style. The systematic geological studies in Iran started in the
late 1960s with the establishment of the Geological Survey of Iran. The tectonic and

46 2 A Summary of Geology of Iran
Fig. 2.1 Structural zones of Iran (Stöcklin 1968)
structural setting of Iran in the Alpine–Himalayan orogenic belt, and the structural
evolution of Iran, has been the focus of many studies.
Using mostly the NIOC database, Stocklin and Nabavi (1973) were the first to
publish the “Tectonic Map of Iran.” They divided Iran into 10 structural zones
(units) based on certain geological features (Fig. 2.1). This structural division
remained a reference for Iranian geologists for almost three decades. However, the
2.1 Structural Divisions of Iran 47
new observations and findings require a revision to this structural scheme. Following
this structural division by Stocklin and Nabavi, some other structural divisions were
presented, which are cited in the following section related to Central Iran. These
newer structural schemes were mostly derived and inspired by the very first
structural division presented by Stocklin.
In recent years, new interpretations and models have been offered regarding the
geological setting of Iran (Nabavi 1976; Eftekharnejhad 1980; Nogol-e-Sadat 1993;
Alavi 1993; Houshmand-Zadeh 1998; Aghanabati 2004). The following is a com-
bined summary of the available data on various structural zones of Iran.
2.1.1 Central Iran
Located as a triangle in the middle of Iran, Central Iran is one of the most important and
complicated structural zones in Iran. Here, rocks of all ages, from the Precambrian to
the Quaternary, and several episodes of orogeny, metamorphism, and magmatism can
be recognized. There is not a consensus regarding the boundaries of Central Iran.
According to Stocklin (1968), Central Iran is bordered by the Alborz Mountains
in the north, Lut Block in the east, and Sanandaj–Sirjan in the south-southwest,
whereas Nabavi (1976) considers the northern part of the Lut Block as a part of
Central Iran. Nogol-e-Sadat (1993) extends the frontiers to the northeast as well as
Eastern Iran and presents new subzones in his classification. Based on tectono-
sedimentary features, Aghanabati (2004) believes that Central Iran and Sanandaj–
Sirjan are parts of the central domain (Figs. 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, and 2.5).
2.1.2 Sanandaj–Sirjan
This zone is located to the south-southwest of Central Iran and the northeastern
edge of Zagros range. In north and northeast, this zone is separated from Central
Iran by depressions like Lake Orumiyeh, Tuzlu Gol, and Gavkhouni and faults like
Shahr-e-Babak and Abadeh, and to the south-southwest by the main thrust fault of
Zagros. A striking feature of this zone is the presence of immense volumes of mag-
matic and metamorphic rocks of Paleozoic and Mesozoic eras.
As far as the trends, and particularly the folding style, are concerned, some
researchers consider the Sanandaj–Sirjan Zone to be similar to Zagros; however,
considerable differences exist in rock types, magmatism, metamorphism, and oro-
genic events. There are some similarities between Sanandaj–Sirjan and Central Iran.
2.1.3 Zagros
This zone extends from Bandar Abbas in the south to Kermanshah in the northwest and
continues through to Iraq. It is in fact the northeastern edge of the Arabian plate.
48
ZONES:
Touran Platform
Arablan Platform
Zabol Block
Kopeh Dagh
Khazar-Talesh
Alborz
Transitional Zone
Central Magmatic
Sistan Subzone
Central Metamorphic
Median Triangle
Central Iran Province
Northern Zagros
Zagros
2
Makran
Ophiolitic Tectonic
Melange Ultrabasic
Quaternary depresions
Extrusive
A Summary of Geology of Iran
Fig. 2.2 Layout of main structural zones (Nogole-Sadat 1993)

Tabriz Caspian Sea
Sari
Pal
eot
Gorgan eth
ys s
Sanandaj uture
zon
e
Turkey
Tehran
lt
fau
O ru neh
ru
m Do
Kermanshah iy
eh Afghanistan
-B
az
m
an
m Yazd block
ag
m
a
N Esfahan tic Tus block
eo ar
-te c
th
ys
su
Iraq tu
Zabol block
re
zo
ne
Lut block
Pakistan
Shiraz
Pe
rs Bandar e Abas
ia
n
G
ul
f
Oman Sea
Fig. 2.3 Important tectono-sedimentary areas of Iran (Aghanabati 2004)
Some important features of Zagros include

– Absence of magmatic and metamorphic events after Triassic
– Low abundance of the outcrops of Paleozoic rocks
– Structurally consisting of large anticlines and small synclines
– Continuous sedimentation from Triassic to Miocene with negligible hiatuses
0 300Km
LEGEND
Ophiolit Khoi-Mahabad Alborz-Azarbijan
HelmandBlock Makran Binalud Zone
ArabicPlatform Depresion Central Iran
Hezarmasjed-KoppehDagh Sanandaj-Sirjan Lut Block
FoldedZagros TuranPlate Nehbandan-Khash
HighZagros Gorgan-Rasht
Fig. 2.4 Structural zones of Iran (Nabavi 1976)
2.1.4 Alborz
Alborz is located in northern Iran, parallel to the southern margin of the Caspian
Sea. It is characterized by the dominance of platform-type sediments, including
limestone, dolostone, and clastic rocks. Rock units from the Precambrian to the
Quaternary have been identified, with some hiatuses and unconformities in Paleozoic
and Mesozoic. Unlike its northern and southern boundaries (Caspian Sea and
Central Iran, respectively), there is not a consensus regarding the eastern and the
Fig. 2.5 Subzones in Central Iran presented by Alavi (1991)
western limits of Alborz. The Binaluod range in the east, although a continuation of
Alborz, bears features comparable to those of Central Iran.
Nabavi (1976) considers Azerbaijan in the west as a part of Alborz, but Stocklin
(1968), taking into account the structural features, considers this zone to be an anti-
clinorium in the northern margin of Central Iran with comparable stratigraphic and
structural features. It is evident that the geological evolution of Alborz was different
from that of Azerbaijan during the Cenozoic Era.
2.1.5 Azerbaijan
There is no agreement regarding the geological setting of Azerbaijan. Stocklin

(1968) considers most of Azerbaijan as belonging to Central Iran. According to the
author, the northeastern corner could be included in Alborz and the southeastern
part in Sanandaj–Sirjan. Nabavi (1976) believes that most of Azerbaijan lies in a
zone called Azerbaijan–Alborz, and as he indicates, this zone is bounded in the north
by the Alborz fault, in the west by the Tabriz–Urumiyeh fault, and in the south by the
Semnan fault. The eastern boundary with the Binaluod Zone is still controversial.
In a broader view, Innocenti et al. (1982) pictured two orogenic belts to explain
the structural units of Western Iran, Azerbaijan, and Eastern and Central Turkey:
– Pantus, minor Caucasus, and Alborz Belt (Azerbaijan)
– Taurus–Central Iran Belt to the south
According to the aforementioned authors, Northern Azerbaijan is included in the
Caucasus and Pontus Mountains in Turkey and Southern Azerbaijan is comparable
with Central Iran and Western Iran and extends to the Taurus Mountains in Turkey.
The significant structural event occurring in Early Devonian was accompanied
by faulting and fragmentation that led to different sedimentary facies in Azerbaijan
(Eftekhar Nezhad 1975b). This orogenic episode generated the Tabriz fault, extend-
ing in a NW–SE direction from the Zanjan depression to the northern mountains of
Tabriz (Mishu, Morou) and northwest of Azerbaijan and Caucasus. This event
divided Azerbaijan into two blocks (Innocenti et al. 1976): one in northeast with
subsidence and sedimentation in Early Devonian and the other in southwest, which
remained high until Late Carboniferous.
2.1.6 Eastern Iran
Eastern Iran can be divided into two parts:

– Lut Block
– Flysch or colored mélange of the Zabol–Baluch Zone
Lut Block: Located to the west of the Zabol–Baluch Zone, the Lut Block is the
main body of Eastern Iran. It extends for about 900 km in the north–south direc-
tion. It is bounded in the north by the Dorooneh fault and in the south by the
Jazmourian depression. In the east, it is separated from Flysch Zone by the Nehbandan
fault, whereas the western boundary with Central Iran is the Nayband fault and
Shotori Mountains. The oldest units include upper Precambrian–Lower Cambrian
schists overlain by Permian limestone and other Paleozoic sedimentary rocks.
Flysch Zone (Zabol–Baluch): This zone is located between the Lut Block to the
west and Helmand (in Afghanistan) to the east. In contrast to the Lut Block, the
Flysch Zone is highly deformed and tectonized and consists of thick deep-sea
sediments like argillaceous and silicic shales, radiolarite, and pelagic limestone
and volcanic rocks such as basalt, spilitic basalt, diabase, andesite, dacite, rhyo-
lite, and subordinate serpentinized ultramafic rocks. The basement is likely
composed of an oceanic crust. Most rock units in this zone fall into three main
groups:
– Flyschoid sediments
– Volcanic, volcanosedimentary, and intrusive rocks
– Ophiolitic series
2.2 Ophiolite Series and Ultramafic Rocks of Iran 53
2.1.7 Southeastern Iran (Makran)
This zone is located to the south of the Jazmourian depression. Its western boundary
is Minab fault; to the south, it is restricted by the Oman Sea, and to the east, it
extends into Pakistan. The northern part is characterized by dominance of the east–
west trending faults, with the Bashagard fault being the most important. Along these
faults lie large sections of ophiolite series. The oldest rocks in this zone are the ophi-
olites of late Cretaceous–Paleocene overlain by a thick sequence (about 5,000 m) of
sandstone, shale, and marl. The whole sequence is deformed prior to Early Miocene.
Thick sequence of Neogene rock units, in excess of 5,000 m, covers the older series
(Nabavi 1976).
2.1.8 Kopet Dagh
This basin is located in northeastern Iran. From Middle Jurassic, it was covered with
a vast continental shelf sea (Berberian and King 1981). In this period of time and
due to transgression as well as rapid subsidence basin, the western part became
deeper. In this basin, a thick sequence of continuous marine and continental sedi-
ments was deposited (about 10 km). No major sedimentary gap or volcanic activi-
ties during Jurassic to Oligocene have ever been reported. This sedimentary complex
provides suitable conditions for accumulation of hydrocarbons. Kopet Dagh sedi-
mentary rocks were placed in their current position due to uplifting at the end of
Miocene.
2.2 Ophiolite Series and Ultramafic Rocks of Iran
Ophiolite series and ultramafic rocks have a widespread occurrence in Iran and can
be grouped as follows:
– Ultramafic and mafic units of Late Precambrian–Early Cambrian: Although com-
parable to modern ophiolites, these rocks do not display all typical features of an
oceanic crust. The term “old ophiolite” might be a misnomer. These rocks are
widespread in Takab and Anarak Regions. They might be representing a protorift.
– Ultramafic and mafic rocks of Upper Paleozoic: These rocks occur as metamor-
phosed as well as non-metamorphosed bodies in some areas like Fariman,
Shanderman, and Asalam. These rocks display many typical features of modern
ophiolites.
Ophiolite series of Early Cretaceous–Paleogene age: These rocks show typical
features of ophiolitic sequences and are thought to be associated with the closure of
Neotethys. These ophiolite series are widespread in Iran. Some of the more impor-
tant locations include
– Kermanshah–Neyriz–Oman Belt
– Makran (south of Jazmourian)
– Ultramafic–mafic rocks related to the Flysch Zone in the Khash–Nosrat Abad–
Birjand Belt
– Ultramafic and mafic rocks north of the Dorooneh fault, Torbat Jam–Torbat
Heidarieh–Sabzevar–Fariman Regions
– Central Iran–Naeen–Baft–Shahr Babak
– Khoy–Maku
Ultramafic and mafic rocks also occur in association with large gabbroic intru-
sions. This type probably resulted from differentiation in a large mafic magma chamber,
comparable to those of the layered mafic intrusions. Examples occur in Sero,
Urumiyeh, and in Masooleh, which are Late Cretaceous to Lower Oligocene in age.
2.3 Basement Rocks
Taking into account the available data on the geology of Iran and the Middle East,
and comparing it with the Arabian basements, it seems that stabilization of the base-
ment in Iran occurred in the Late Proterozoic to Early Cambrian. This is supported
by similar Gondwanic features in both the Iranian and the Arabian basements.
It is believed that the Arabian shield was the continuation of Mozambique in
Eastern Africa prior to the development of the Red Sea (BRGM and USGS and
some German teams) (Geodynamic Report, GSI 1983).
The cratonization happened transitionally from Africa toward Iran as evident
from the age of the basements; Central Africa has a basement of Late Archean–
Early Proterozoic while in Northern Africa, there is no Archean basement; besides,
the extent of Precambrian domains reduces from Central Africa toward north. Some
authors (Hushmandzadeh 1998) believe that cratonization of Iran has been due to
Baikalian, Asynitic, or Pan-African orogenies.
The oldest known sedimentary unit in Iran is the Kahar Formation, which is well
exposed in Alborz and Azerbaijan. Kahar consists of shale, dolomitic sandstone, and
tuff metamorphosed to slate and phyllite (B. Hamdi 1995). The uppermost layers are
of about 650 million years old based on the paleontology and stratigraphic evidence;
the basal layers are thought to be as old as 800 million years (Ghorbani 2012a, b).
Based on field observations, an older age has been suggested for some metamorphic
units in Central Iran and Takab Regions (e.g., Robat Poshtebadam, Saghand in
Central Iran, Mahneshan in Azerbaijan; Haghipour 1974; Alavi Naeini et al. 1976);
however, this is not supported by new data. The oldest rocks in Iran, based on the
radiometric ages, are as old as 900 million years (Hushmandzadeh, unpublished).
This was the time when Doran-type granites and Gharehdash series formed.
Comparing the geology of Iran and the Arabian Craton and concerning the intru-
sion of granitoid rocks as an essential component of the continental crust, it can be
2.4 Summary of Stratigraphy of Iran 55
argued that cratonization of Iranian platform occurred in the Late Precambrian–

Early Cambrian, prior to sedimentation of the Lalun sandstone.
2.4 Summary of Stratigraphy of Iran
2.4.1 Precambrian
It was believed that Precambrian rocks older than 1.5 billion years had extensive
outcrops in Iran. However, recent data suggest that Precambrian domains were
smaller in exposure and that they were all younger than 900 million years. In
North and Central Iran, the Kahar and Gharehdash Formations and the lower half of
the Soltanieh Formation are of Precambrian ages.
According to Hamdi (1985), the oldest rocks in Iran belonged to the Kushk
Series consisting of clastic sediments, acidic volcanic, tuff, and carbonates (mainly
dolomite). Other formations of the Late Precambrian–Early Cambrian ages include
Rizu volcanic-sedimentary Formation, Dezu and Tashk Formations, Aghda lime-
stone, Kalmard Series, Shorm Beds, and Anarak metamorphic units. The sedimen-
tary facies of Precambrian–Lower Cambrian rocks in Northern Iran is different from
that of Central Iran.
2.4.2 Paleozoic
Following the Pan-African orogenic episode, shallow marine sediments formed in

Late Vendian. The influence of the orogenic episode is evident at the base of the
Vendian sediments. Deposition of shallow marine sediments covered large areas in
Iran during Paleozoic (e.g., Alborz, East of Iran, Zagros; Alavi-naini 2009).
There is strong stratigraphic evidence that transition from Vendian to Lower
Cambrian was a progressive one, without hiatuses; there is no evidence of any oro-
genic or epeirogenic movements in Iran at this time (e.g., south of Zanjan, Valiabad
Chalus, Shahin Dezh; Hamdi 1995; Alavi-naini 1993).
Early Cambrian started with an alternation of shale, phosphate-bearing lime-
stone, and dolomite sitting conformably and transitionally over the Vendian dolo-
mites. Transition from the Soltanieh Formation to Barut, Zaigoon, and Laloon
Formations is very difficult to recognize in the field (Alavi-naini 1993).
Middle Cambrian is characterized by uplift and regression; however, a renewed
progression at this time led to the deposition of the Mila and Kuhbanan Formations,
consisting of limestone, dolomite, and shale, over older units. These formations
bear trilobites and brachiopods of Middle and Late Cambrian (Alavi-naini 1993).
In some areas, the Late Cambrian carbonate facies turns transitionally into
Ordovician graptolite shales, known as Lashkarak Formation in Alborz, Shirgasht
Formation in Central Iran and Ilbeyk and Zardkuh Formations in Zagros. In the
Kalmard area, Ordovician sediments are found on the top of the Vendian sediments
through an angular unconformity (Aghanabati 2004).
In Late Ordovician, most parts of Iran were affected by epeirogenic movements
(e.g. Alborz; Alavi-naini 2009); this coincides with Caledonian orogeny in Europe
and some other parts of the earth. The epeirogeny caused a distinct hiatus at the
Ordovician–Silurian boundary. Where present, the Silurian rocks in Iran consist
mainly of limestone, sandstone, shale and volcanic materials, known as Niur
Formation in Central Iran.
The Lower Devonian rocks have been reported from several localities in Central
Iran (e.g., Tabas, Sourian, Kerman, Zagros; Ghorbani 2012a, b); however, they
seem to be missing in Alborz and parts of Zagros. Upper Devonian is characterized
by marine transgression, particularly in Alborz, that extends into Lower
Carboniferous. With the exception of Tabas area, no record of Middle Carboniferous
marine deposits has yet been discovered in Iran (Ghorbani 2012a, b). Upper
Carboniferous deposits are not significantly present in Iran and have only been
identified in several localities from index goniatites (Alavi-naini 1993). After a
general regression and a distinct hiatus in Upper Carboniferous, Permian marine
transgression deposits cover most parts of Iran (e.g., Alborz, Zagros, Central Iran;
Aghanabati 2004). The Permian sediments are represented by Dorood sandstones,
Ruteh and Nesen limestones in Alborz.
2.4.3 Mesozoic in Iran
The Lower Triassic sediments in Iran are mainly of shallow marine or continental
shelf nature (e.g., Doroud sandstones and Elika dolomites in Alborz, Sorkh shales
and Shotori dolomites in Central Iran; Aghanabati 2004; Alavi-naini 2009). A con-
tinuous Permian–Triassic sequence has been reported from several areas in Iran,
including Jolfa (northwest of Iran), Abadeh (Southern Central Iran), and Southern
Urumiyeh (the continuation of Taurus in Turkey), north of Kandevan and Southern
Amol.
The transition from Middle to Upper Triassic coincides with Early Cimmerian
orogenic episode, which led to the segmentation of the sedimentary basin into three
sub-basins: Zagros in south and southwest, Alborz in north, and Central Iran
(Aghanabati 2004).
The Lower Jurassic rocks conformably overlie the Upper Triassic units; so are the
Early Cretaceous deposits over the Upper Jurassic strata (e.g., Zagros; Motiei 1993).
In North and Central Iran, the Upper Triassic and Lower–Middle Jurassic sedi-
ments have a detrital nature, consisting mainly of shale and sandstone with thick-
nesses varying from a few meters to more than 3,000 m. The presence of plant
remains and coal beds suggests a continental or lagoon environment for the deposits
(Aghanabati 1998). The Cretaceous deposits, characterized by diverse sedimentary
2.6 Overview of Distribution and Nature of Magmatic Rocks in Iran 57
facies, are widespread all over Iran. In Late Cretaceous, tectonic movements related
to the Laramide orogeny affected most parts of Iran, leading to uplift, folding, and
faulting (Ghorbani 2012a, b). This is a prelude to the significant developments in the
geological evolution of Iran.
2.4.4 Tertiary
The Cretaceous–Paleocene boundary is characterized by striking changes in

sedimentary environments (e.g., Alborz, Central Iran; Hajian 1996). An uncon-
formity has been reported from many locations in Iran. Both continuous and
discontinuous transitions have been discovered between Paleocene and Eocene
strata; as is the case with Eocene and Oligocene (e.g., Central Iran; Hajian
1996). The Oligocene and Miocene stages are characterized by rapid subsid-
ence, deposition, and facies changes in both marine and continental sedimentary
basins (e.g., Mahneshan and Halab south of Zanjan; Rahimzadeh 1994).
Oligocene sediments in most parts of Iran are of shallow marine character,
turning into marine facies in Upper Oligocene through Lower Miocene
(e.g., Qom; Rahimzadeh 1994). The Middle–Upper Miocene sediments are
mostly of continental nature.
2.5 Stratigraphic Succession in Various Structural Divisions
A comparison of stratigraphic records in various structural divisions of Iran is shown

in Fig. 2.6.
2.6 Overview of Distribution and Nature of Magmatic

Rocks in Iran
Magmatic rocks of all ages, from the Precambrian to the Quaternary, are wide-
spread in Iran (e.g., Doran granite, Zarigan–Narigan granite, Torghabeh granite,
Ghaen granite, Chaghand gabbro, Alvand granite, Natanz granite; Ghorbani
2012a, b). A correlation exists between the distribution of magmatic rocks and
certain types of ore deposits (e.g., iron deposits in Bafgh related to Zarigan–
Narigan-type granites, Mazraeh copper deposit related to Sheyvar–Daghi gran-
ite, Sarcheshmeh porphyry deposit related to Sarcheshmeh porphyry body;
Ghorbani 2002b). Several episodes of magmatic activities have been identi fi ed
in Iran, which will be discussed next.
2.6
Overview of Distribution and Nature of Magmatic Rocks in Iran
Fig. 2.6 Lithostratigraphic succession in various Structural Divisions of Iran (by Geological Society of Iran)
59
2.6.1 Magmatic Rocks of Upper Precambrian–Lower Cambrian
Volcanic and plutonic rocks with an age of 630–530 million years have been
reported from many localities in Iran, particularly in Central Iran and Azerbaijan
(Houshmand-Zadeh 1998; Ramezani and Tucker 2003). These magmatic rocks
seem to be related to the Pan-African tectonic-magmatic episode. Most magmatic
rocks of this time were of alkaline nature (Ghorbani 2012a, b). The following
magmatic series can be attributed to this phase:
– Doran-type intrusions in Azerbaijan
– Narigan and Zarigan-type intrusive bodies extend from Anarak to Bafgh and
Kuh Banan
– Volcanic rocks, mostly of rhyolite composition, in Ghareh Dash, Azerbaijan
– Volcanic rocks associated with the Kushk Series in the Bafgh area
– Volcanic rocks of Rizu, Dezu, and Kushk Formations in Central Iran
– Most Precambrian metamorphic rocks of greenschist or even amphibolite facies,
such as in Takab and Anarak areas, seem to have originally been volcanic materi-
als, either lava or pyroclastic rocks
2.6.2 Lower Paleozoic
The magmatic rocks of this time have been reported from many areas in Iran. Examples
include the basaltic rocks of Shahrud and Khosh Yeilagh, the andesitic-basaltic units
of Niur Formation in Central Iran, and the tuffaceous materials in the upper parts of
Mila Formation in Eastern Iran (Aghanabati 2004; Ghorbani 2012a, b).
2.6.3 Upper Paleozoic
The volcanic rocks of andesitic-basaltic composition accompany Upper Paleozoic

sedimentary strata in many areas all over Iran. The basaltic rocks associated with
the Jeyrud Formation of Upper Devonian are a typical example (Aghanabati 2004;
Ghorbani 2012a, b).
There is strong evidence of significant magmatic activities in the Late Paleozoic–
Early Mesozoic (Early Permian to Early Jurassic) in Iran (Ghorbani 2012a, b).
Examples include
– Magmatic rocks in the Southern Sanandaj–Sirjan (granites and gabbros of Sirjan

area) and volcanic rocks of the Songhor Series in Northern Sanandaj–Sirjan
– Ultramafic and mafic rocks and their metamorphosed equivalents in Eastern Iran
(Fariman area), Taknar Series, Gorgan schists, Shanderman mafic/ultramafic
metamorphic series
2.6 Overview of Distribution and Nature of Magmatic Rocks in Iran 61
2.6.4 Mesozoic
The Mesozoic magmatic rocks are associated with Cimmerian and Laramide
orogenic events that caused continental and oceanic rifting, followed by closures
and collisions in vast areas of Iran (e.g., Sanandaj–Sirjan; Omrani 2008). The
Mesozoic magmatic rocks can be divided into three groups:
Volcanic rocks: These rocks occurred mainly as a result of extension or tension
related to the continental rifting, or subduction of the developed oceanic litho-
sphere under the continental lithosphere (e.g., Central Alborz for continental rift-
ing; Ghorbani 2012a, b; Saghez-Sanandaj axis for subduction, Tarkhani 2010).
Intrusive rocks: Many intrusive bodies of mafic to granitic composition, with ages
varying from early Triassic to Late Cretaceous, have been identified in Iran (e.g.,
Boroujerd–Shamsabad axis; Masoudi 1997; Ahmadi-khalaji 2007).
In Triassic–Jurassic, the volcanic rocks predominated the plutonic rocks. They are
mainly alkaline in nature and are more abundant in Sanandaj–Sirjan. In Jurassic–
Cretaceous, the intrusive rocks exceeded the volcanic rocks; a significant number
of batholiths in Iran occurred at this time (e.g., Alvand, Shirkuh, Kolah Ghazi,
Shahkuh: Ghorbani 2012a, b).
2.6.5 Tertiary
Tertiary is of great concern in Iran because of the great volumes and highly diverse
types of igneous rocks and associated mineral deposits. The magmatic rocks of
this age are widespread all over Iran, except in Zagros and Kopet Dagh (Metalogenic
Map of The Middle East 2011). Data from various structural zones indicate that
the volcanic and plutonic activities started in Late Cretaceous, peaked at Eocene,
and continued, with short stops, into Quaternary. The Quaternary volcanism pro-
duced very high peaks such as Damavand, Sahand, Sabalan, and many others.
Some of the more important regions in terms of the Tertiary magmatic activities
include
– Urumiyeh Dokhtar volcanic-plutonic belt
– Azerbaijan
– Tarom–Taleghan
– Central Alborz and its southern margins
– Kavir–Sabzevar
– Kashmar–Torbat-e Jam
– Lut and Kavir, Central Iran
– Sistan
– Bam, Bazman, and Taftan
– East Iran
– Southern Jazmourian–Sabzevaran
The origin and nature of the Tertiary magmatic rocks are controversial. Two
different views exist:
1. Intracontinental rifts and aulacogens (Ghorbani 2003a)
2. Subduction of Neotethys oceanic crust under Iranian plate and collision of
Arabian and Iranian plates in Late Cretaceous–Paleocene (Ghorbani 2003a, b, c,
d, e, f)
2.7 Structural and Orogenic Events in Iran
Several orogenic events have been recognized in Iran, the most important of which
are discussed next.
2.7.1 Pan-African
This is equivalent to Asynitic in the other parts of the earth. This event was associ-
ated with metamorphism, magmatism, folding, and faulting during Late
Precambrian–Early Cambrian in Iran (e.g., south of Zanjan–Mahabad in Azerbaijan,
Bafgh in Central; Nabavi 1976; Ghorbani 1999a). This tectonic phase started with
tension or extension leading to the formation of rifts and generation of oceanic crust
(e.g., in Takab and Anarak) and ended with folding, closure, metamorphism, growth
of the continental crust, and development of regional faults.
2.7.2 Caledonian
There was no considerable folding or faulting related to this event in Iran. Caledonian
in Iran is characterized by facies change in sedimentary basins, hiatuses, and epeiro-
genic movements (e.g., parts of Alborz, Zagros, and Central Iran; Nabavi 1976).
This phase, starting from Late Cambrian, caused the marine facies of the Barut and
Zaigoon Formations to change into the continental facies of the Lalun Formation,
and continued on to Late Devonian.
2.7.3 Hercynian
The effects of this orogenic episode in Iran can be traced from Late Devonian to
Middle Triassic. Due to the scarcity of magmatism, metamorphism, and folding
related to this episode, the role of Hercynian in Iran is controversial; Hercynian in
Iran is largely represented by extensional rather than compressional tectonics (e.g.,
Sanandaj–Sirjan; Hosseini 2011).
2.7 Structural and Orogenic Events in Iran 63
2.7.4 Early Cimmerian
Early Cimmerian tectonic event is one of the most important events in the geologi-
cal history of earth. Many diverse features are associated with this phase, including
metamorphism, magmatism, folding, faulting, creation of new basins, and facies
change (Ghorbani 2012a, b). This event was associated with compressional tecton-
ics in northern Iran and tensional tectonics in the south. There is evidence that the
compressional phase was preceded by tension and rift development. The compres-
sional phase, starting in Middle Triassic, finally led to the closure of the paleote-
ethys (e.g., southeast to southwest of the Caspian Sea; Ghorbani 2002a, b, c).
2.7.5 Middle Cimmerian
The operation of this phase in Iran has been controversial. Aghanabti (1998) has
recently presented rather strong evidence in support of this tectonic episode in Iran
(e.g., Sanandaj–Sirjan and Central Iran).
2.7.6 Late Cimmerian
A significant tectonic event happened in Iran in Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous

times, about 140 m.a. This event is represented by folding, facies changes in sedi-
mentary environments, angular unconformity, magmatism, and metamorphism (e.g.,
Alborz, Sanandaj–Sirjan, and Central Iran; Aghanabati 2004; Ghorbani 2012a, b).
2.7.7 Laramide
This event, occurring in Late Cretaceous–Eocene, played a great role in the geologi-
cal evolution of Iran. This event started under a compressional regime, followed by
an extension one (Ghorbani 2012a, b; Sadeghi 1999). The compressional regime,
which was associated with significant intrusive magmatic activities, led to the clo-
sure of the oceanic basins and Neothetyan rifts. In some areas, slices of the oceanic
crust have obducted onto the continental margins producing what we now call ophi-
olite assemblages or colored mélanges (e.g., mostly seen suture zone between
Sanandaj–Sirjan and Zagros and alongside the Naybandan fault in east of Iran;
Nogole-Sadat and Almasian 1993; Nogole-Sadat 1993).
2.7.8 Pyrenean
With regards to the geological evidence, this event was of compressional nature.
This tectonic phase is represented by significant changes in the sedimentary
environments, plutonism, and metamorphism (e.g., west of Central Iran, south of

Central Alborz, Lut; Nabavi 1976).
2.7.9 Pasadenian
Pasadenian is the most important phase in forging the current shape of Iran. There
are some orogenic events that occurred before the Pasadenian event, which were
most likely the continuation of this phase (e.g., Alborz–Azerbaijan axis, Zagros,
Central Iran; Tectonic and Seismotectonic Map of Iran 1993; Rahimzadeh 1994).
Chapter 3
History of Mining
Abstract Iran has been the pioneer in mining exploration and techniques for several
millennia. The knowledge and talent of primeval Iranians, on the one hand, and high
potential of mineral deposits, their diversity, and absence of dense vegetation cover,
on the other hand, as well as the country’s position at the crossing of various cul-
tures and civilizations, have led to prosperous mining activities in ancient times and
even after the renaissance, which still amaze the mining engineers about the Iranian
expertise in mining. Interestingly, there are a few known metallic deposits in Iran
that do not have the footprint of the ancient miners.
Hundreds of primordial mining sites of gold, copper, iron, lead–zinc, and silver have
been discovered, which indicate centuries of mineral excavation. Numerous mining
localities, tools, smelters, and miners’ residence have existed since the fourth millen-
nium B.C.
This chapter provides information about the mining activities in ancient Iran
along with the mining techniques utilized.
Keywords History of mining in Iran • Ancient mining in Iran • Mining technology

in ancient Iran • Gems in ancient Iran
3.1 Introduction
According to the results of archeological studies, the first metal utilized by man in
its native form was gold and the first metal extracted through melting was copper.
However, there are conflicting views regarding the use of copper. While some
experts believe that the usage dates back to 12,000 B.C. (in Egypt) and others believe
it to be earlier (as early as 20,000 B.C.), there are definite indications of copper
smelting occurring around 6,000 years back on the route of the migration of the
Arians (Zavosh 1968). The evidence of copper utilization in Iran (at Tal Eblis) dates
back to around 9,000 B.C., and accordingly, Khoyei et al. (1999) argued that the
Iranians were the pioneers in copper-smelting activities in the world. Claims of being

66 3 History of Mining
the oldest civilization to extract and use metals are not an exaggeration when one
considers the historical background and the natural riches of Iran.
The time of passage from the Stone Age (Neolithic) into the Bronze Age in Iran
is considered to be the end of the seventh millennium B.C, whereas in Europe, the
Neolithic continued till the fourth millennium B.C. (Alipour 1993).
The oldest artifact of copper in Iran is a copper necklace dated around the end of
the seventh millennium B.C. (Alipour 1993). In 1966, in an exhibition titled “Seven
Thousand Years of Iranian Art,” a turquoise statue was exhibited. This in fact indi-
cates that the extraction and utilization of turquoise goes back to that time. The
remains of ancient smelting furnaces and their resulting slag at Tal Eblis, Siyalk
(Kashan), and Ahangaran (Ghaen) are seen throughout the country, from Zagros
and the Alborz mountain ranges up to the deserts of Yazd, Kerman, Qom, Kashan,
Khorasan, and various locations in Baluchestan (Chehel Kure copper mine, aban-
doned lead mines of Kharestan, and Bidaster around Taftan). These are all indica-
tions of the advanced metallurgical knowledge and expertise of ancient Iranians in
extracting metals from ores and minerals (Ghorbani 2002b).
The onset of civilization and migration of Arians in the third millennium B.C.
resulted in a colossal revolution in Iran’s mining industry. In spite of not having
access to much metal resources, the Arians were aware of the value of different met-
als (Alipour 1993). It is therefore believed that the Indo–European civilization had
advanced beyond the Metal Age before its emigration from Central Asia. Ghorbani
(2002a, b, c) states that the term “aios” is a general term referring to metals in
ancient Indo–European language: “aes” in Latin is used for copper and gunmetal,
the Sanskrit “ayas” stands for iron, and Persian “ahan,” Kurdish “asen,” German
“eisen,” and English “iron” are probably variations of the original Indo–European
term for iron. It is written in Old Persian texts that “Houshang Pishdadi,” who
extracted iron from rocks using fire, established the “Sade” festival. “Sade” was one
of the festivals celebrated in ancient Iran. For more information about the “Sade”
festival, please refer to “Wikipedia.”
According to Straboun, the Greek word “cassiteris,” meaning tin, and mineral
cassiterite, a hard heavy dark mineral that is the chief source of tin, get their names
from a place called “Cassian,” which was situated on the southern coasts of the
Caspian Sea (Alipour 1993).
Dorant, in his book History of Civilization, describes the Arians’ knowledge of metals
as follows: “this immigrant race (Arians) were familiar with metals; thus on arriving into
the Iranian Plateau, they settled down, in order to avail themselves of the mineral riches
such as copper, iron, lead, silver, gold, marble and precious stones.” He continues further
that “the Iranian civilization was much more advanced than the Egyptian.”
From the early third millennium B.C., the writings of Sumerians, Babylonians,
and Eilamians all point toward the technological and scientific achievements of
ancient Iranians (Alipour 1993). Among the regions acclaimed for their metal indus-
try and merchandizing, “Shahdad” stands out. Metallurgy, ceramic, serpentinite, and
marble industry were highly developed, and various pieces of artifacts made up of
semiprecious stones such as agate, lapis lazuli, and turquoise were manufactured. By
the middle of the third millennium B.C., extraction of serpentinite was extensive and
many objects were made from this stone; moreover, gold was widely utilized.
3.2 History of Mining 67
It has been proved that the passage from the Stone to the Copper Age was
gradual. The beginning of the Bronze Age in Iran took place around 7000 B.C. at a
time when this alloy was considered to be more valuable than gold and silver. The
discovery of bronze led to higher utilization and manufacturing of this metal, thus
raising the demand for raw material. At that time, Iran was considered to be one of the
most important producers of copper, lead, and tin (though there are no known tin
deposits presently in Iran, but Girshman (1954) describes such a deposit from Deh
Hosein near Shazand), along with other rocks that were dominantly extracted from
the area between Shazand and Nezam Abad, which was then known as the most
famous mining locality in Iran. Moreover, the investigations carried out at Siyalk
indicate that the trade of “sadaf” (chalcedony or white agate), lapis lazuli, turquoise,
and “yashm” (jadeite) was very common in this period.
The utilization of iron in Iran dates back to a time around the second millennium
B.C. The ever-increasing production of iron at the said time revolutionized the
socioeconomic state of affairs. Countries possessing rich and diverse deposits of
this metal, not reputed until then, found a prominent position in the political equa-
tions of the time. One such locality is Northern Iran. Excavations at Siyalk indicate
a relative increase in the number of iron tools as compared to the bronze tools
(Girshman 1934; Wulff 1966). It is believed that Shah Bolagh (south of Zanjan),
Masoule in Northern Iran, and Golgohar (near Neyriz) were discovered during this
time. The common utilization of iron in weaponry and farm implements drastically
changed the state of affairs in trade at the beginning of the first millennium B.C.;
prior to that, copper and its alloys dominated the markets.
3.2 History of Mining
3.2.1 Hakhamaneshian Period (550 B.C.–330 B.C.)
In the second half of the first millennium B.C., with the establishment of the mighty
Hakhamaneshian (Achaemenian) Empire by Cyrus the Great, Iranian civilization
attained its most glorious position. The knowledge of the earth and its potential
resources improved, and exploitation of copper, gold, silver, lead–zinc, and other
metals reached their peak. The copious reserve of gold in the Hakhamaneshian trea-
sury is a witness to this claim. It is also believed that the largest deposits of gold in
the Pre-Islamic Era were discovered at this time, which also witnessed an increase
in gold production and making of the first gold coins of the world called “darik.”
Gold coinage became trivial in other countries, for example, the Roman Empire,
after the reign of Darius the Great. Gold was also used in making different orna-
ments and utensils and as façade of Shoush and Takht-e Jamshid palaces according
to Shoush Memorial.
At this period of time, the Iranians used iron in the production of steel (called
“poulad”). Greek writers have described the steel weaponry and bridges made by
the Iranians; the steel used in the construction of bridges was covered with tar and
has not yet rusted. Iron and lead were utilized in the fortification of Takht-e
Jamshid and Pasargad buildings. Dandamayev, the Russian explorer, writes that
the opening paragraphs of the Bistoon Stone, which bears the names of Darius’s
ancestors, were covered with lead to extend its life span. Conquering of different
countries by Cyrus the Great and Darius the Great led to advancement of the min-
ing and metal industries. Girshman (1954) writes that among the objects found in
Shoush, the weaponry were mostly made up of gunmetal, while in a slum area
right next to Shoush, iron ornaments prevailed. During the reign of Cyrus the
Great, silver coins were also made, which were paid as a part of wages to the
laborers and soldiers (especially in the navy) (Alipour 1993). Silver was addi-
tionally used in making ornaments and utensils. According to the writings on the
Claystone No. 52 found in Takht-e Jamshid, the major production center of iron
weaponry was Neyriz in Fars.
Berberian and Manugian (1997) believe that the Iranians came to know about
“simab” (mercury) during Hakhamaneshian’s time, and realgar, borax, and alum were
extensively used in various industries. Lines 37–40 of Darius states that the “blue
crystals” (kaputaka or lapis lazuli) and “shangarf” (cinnabar) used here were from
Sugudd while the dark blue crystals were from Kharazm. A writing in the Palace of
Darius the Great at Shoush talks of “akhshaiye” (turquoise) (Zavosh 1968).
The extreme ingenuity and cleverness of the Iranians resulted in the most
magnificent period of mining in the history of the country. The most important
mines of this period include Zarshouran (Takab), Zarrin (Ardakan), Kuh Zar
(Damghan), and Qal’e Zar (Birjand) gold deposits; Kuh Some (Firooz Abad) lead–
zinc ore; Neyriz iron mine; and Neyshabour turquoise deposit.
3.2.2 Seleucid Period (320 B.C.–63 B.C.)
There is not much known about the technical aspects of mining in the Seleucid
period. However, it is obvious that during the rule of Alexander the Great and his
successors, the mining activity was on a decline. In fact, the overall situation of the
country was exasperating due to internal insurgencies. Nonetheless, mining activity,
as Girshman (1954) puts it, was carried out on a controlled extent under the supervi-
sion of government inspectors. Moein (1976) states that “at the time of Seleucid,
iron, copper and lead were being extracted, concentrated and exported under the
supervision of kings’ administrators; the mining activities were under the monopoly
of the kings and the mines were considered as kings’ assets.”
3.2.3 Arsacid Period (247 B.C.–228 A.D.)
The Parthian times witnessed a positive change in mining and related industries
brought about by the need for weaponry and deployment of Prisoner of War in
mining activities. The copper deposits of Eastern Iran (Ahangaran, Ghaen, Gazoo,
etc.) were discovered and exploited at this time period. The mining evidence at
Shadadi mines to the south of Damghan, such as Kuhzar and Roba’i, point to their
activity at the time of Ashkanian. The proximity of these areas with the capital of
Ashkanian (Sad Darvaze) is a further confirmation of their prosperity. Pelin, in his
Book XXXIV (Chap. 14), states that the highest-quality steel was made in China with
the second best in Pars.
3.2.4 Sassanid Period (224 A.D.–670 A.D.)
Organized mining activities were initiated at the time of Sassanian. Most of

the lead–zinc, copper, gold, and iron deposits that were extracted then are still in
production (e.g., Golgohar and Zarshouran).
Most of the metallic artifacts unearthed during excavations belonged to the
Sassanian Period, which is a further proof of the advancement of gold, silver, lead–
zinc, iron, and copper mining activities during this time. Most of the gold mines of
the Hakhamaneshian (Achaemenian) Period once again became operative. The
abundance of silver utensils at this time is an indication of widespread mine and
metal industry; the lead–silver mines at Nakhlak, Kharestan, and Ahangaran and the
lead mines of Kuhbanan, to name a few, were among the most important centers.
The Chinese missionaries who visited Iran during the Sassanian times have written
that “at Tisfoon, the capital of Sassanian, natural material such as gold, silver, cor-
als, pearls, crystals, iron, copper, cinnabar, mercury etc. were common.”
3.2.5 Islamic Era (651 A.D.–1230 A.D.)
Following the Arab invasion of Iran and subjugation of Iran, scientific and industrial
depression dominated the country for over 200 years. The mining industry was no
exception and, as a result, the activities waned. There are no indications of any mining
work during this period, and most of the mines that were operative during the
Sassanian Period were abandoned and never functioned again. Many such locations
hold the clues to present-day exploration work.
With the inception of the uprisings in different parts of Iran, the antagonism of
the “Abbasian Government” toward the Iranians subsided, and many key govern-
mental positions were offered to them. Iranian art and culture flourished once again
and embodied in achievements of the new religion, however. This period, which
Adam Metz calls the “Islamic Renaissance” (Metz 1985), witnessed the establish-
ment of various Iranian dynasties by Samanian, Ghaznavian, Al-e Bouye, Saljouqian,
and Kharazmshahian. The advances in metal and ceramic industries during this time
in turn resulted in the progress of mining techniques and activities. The famous
“Saljuqi” tile enamel was procured from the copper–cobalt mine at Qamsar (Kashan).
Ahmad ebn-e Omar ebn-e Rasteh, Al-aalagh Al-nafiseh (translated by Hossein

Qare-Chanlou 1986) writes, “there are occurrences of gold, silver, mercury and
turquoise in Khorasan; gold, silver, copper, iron and sulfur in Kerman; gold and
silver in Fars; coal in Bokhara, Yazd and Lorestan; lead in Yazd; gold, mercury and
silver in Azarbayjan; and, silver in Esfahan, Bokhara, Sari and Balkh…. Silver
mining was common in Samanian times up until the invasion of Moghols with Zar
Afshan mines (situated in present day Tajikistan) produced most of the silver….
Iranian miners are skilled in excavating tunnels and shafts.”
A number of works on the mining products and techniques were written by
Ya’qoub ebn Es’haq Kandi, namely, Resale fi Anva’ Al-Jawaher, Resale fi Alne’at
Al-Jawaher va Ma’aden, and Resale fi Anva’ Al-Jawaher va Samine.
3.2.6 Mughal Era (1230 A.D.–1357 A.D.)
The inefficiency and imprudence of the last king of Kharazmshahiyan and the
instigations of Abbasian led to the invasion of the country by the Mongols. This led
to a 400-year rule of terror by Teymour’s successors, Atabakan, Jalayerian,
Choupanian, Aq-Qoyounlou, Al-e Mozaffar, and quarrels between sovereigns or
quelling of the rebellions. There is no evidence of any industrial progress (including
mining) at this time, though because of growing reclusiveness among Iranian
scholars, solitary arts such as poetry improved astoundingly.
At a time when every move of the people (wedding ceremonies, for instance)
was taxed by the rulers, there is no documentation of taxing mines, thus pointing to
the decline of mining activities.
During this era, many thinkers existed who talked theoretically about the natural
resources in general; for instance, Khaje Nasir-o-din Toosi (1200 A.D.–1273 A.D.),
who describes 71 ore minerals in his book Tansookh Name-ye Ilkhani. Mohammad
ben Habib Bekran in Jahan Name (1208 A.D.) defines many precious stones and
metals. Zakariya Qazvini (1205 A.D.) names around 120 minerals in his book
Ajayeb-al-Makhlouqat va Garayeb-al-Mojoudat. Arayes-al-Jawaher va Atayeb-al-
Nafayes, written by Abolqasem Abdollah Kashani (1300 A.D.), is about the min-
eral resources (this work is in fact an excerpt from Tansookh Name). Hamdollah
Mostofi in Nezhat-ol-Qoloub has described the various minerals that were known to
exist in Iran. Gems are also described in the book Javaher Name-ye Soltani by
Mohammad ben Mansour Deshnaki (1478 A.D.).
3.2.7 Safavid Period (1501 A.D.–1786 A.D.)
The onset of the Safaviyan dynasty coincides with the many important changes in
the global settings. On the one hand, the Ottoman Empire had reached its maximum
extent and had conquered Constantinople. Terrified by the Ottomans’ achievements,
European countries had no choice but to support the newly constituted Safaviyan
Government on the east. The Austrian ambassador to Iran has been quoted by
Abolqasem Taher (Political and Social History of Iran) as “between us and obliteration,
Iranians stand.” George Weston, in his book History of Iran and the World, describes
Safaviyan as a “reign” that slowed down the Turks and “reduced Christians detri-
ments.” On the other hand, for the Iranian public, who had not experienced a strong
central government, enthronement of Safaviyan brought pride and satisfaction.
All these issues made Iran the center of attention, and the European countries
began to take efforts to establish political and economic ties with Safaviyan. The
economic trade with Europe led to a revolution in exports and imports of the country.
Many of the abandoned mines resumed works at the time of Shah Abbas. However,
employment of skilled laborers (instead of slaves or prisoners of war) increased the
cost of production, thus hindering the development of the mining industry. Tavernier
(translated by Nouri 1990) writes, “minerals are extracted from mountainous regions
of Iran. Extraction and consumption of copper has increased enormously. Tin is not
known to occur in Iran. Iron and steel comes from Khorasan, which also supplies
gold and silver…. Shah Abbas had tried to revive the gold and silver mines but not
succeeded because of lack of revenues…. It is definite that in older times, gold and
silver mines exited in Iran, and remnants of such activities are seen as deep excava-
tions. But ever since the increase in imports from Ethiopia, Sumatra and China,
Iranians have stopped exploration for these two metals.”
By the end of the Safaviyan Period, the economic situation of Iran deteriorated again
and, except the short reign of Karim Khan, the country was the scene of internal conflicts.
Zavosh (1968) is of the opinion that the Safaviyan Period was the period when
the extraction of the known mineral riches of the country reached its highest levels.
The Veshnave copper deposit, which was in existence since the Bronze Age, was
actively exploited during this time (Gruppe 1971).
Mining evidences reveal that the lead and zinc oxide mines of the Kuh Banan–
Behabad Belt were active at the time of Safaviyan, and Tootia produced at this
region was exported to other countries.
3.2.8 Qajar Period (1794 A.D.–1925 A.D.)
With the establishment of the Qajar dynasty and relative stability of the country
(especially at the time of Fathali Shah), the number of political and business envoys
traveling to Iran increased.
Alexander Khudzco, the Russian Consul General to Mohammad Shah and Fathali
Shah courts, writes (Sahami 1354), “Ore and mineral deposits of Iran, especially
those of copper, are hardly matched in the world. However, Iranians are way behind
the world technologically and cannot use the tools purchased from Europeans.
The rich copper mines of Khorasan produce very little, which do not escape the
raids by Turkmen. The iron mines of the country too are neglected. Arsenic in form
of yellow orpiment and red realgar is found in Kordestan and Qazvin, and is exported
to Osmani (Turkey). Sulfur is abundant in various regions and so is rock salt. Coal
is readily found on the surface in considerable amounts.”
Coleman Howar, the French orientologist, writes (Coleman 1984), “Mining oper-
ations have scaled down as compared to the ancient times. Oil probably occurs from
Caucasus to Persian Gulf (but is not explored); rock salt and oil in Qeshm Island;
ochre clay in Hormoz and Abu Moosa Islands; sulfur on the east and west of Bandar
Lenge; and turquoise in Neyshabour. Badakhshan is famous for its lapis lazuli; Yazd
for its shiny yellow marble; and Azarbayjan for its iron, lead and copper. Moreover,
copper is extracted from Sabzevar and Qal’ezari regions in voluminous amounts.”
These writings convinced the statesmen to consider inducting modern and scientific
techniques of mining.
The signs of advanced Western culture and industry infatuated the heads of state,
in particular Crown Prince Abbas Mirza. The travelogue of Lord Curzon (translated
by Vahid Mazandarani, 1362), which talks about the works of Abbas Mirza,
describes his interest toward mining and industry as “early in the nineteenth cen-
tury.” Abbas Mirza, the courageous crown prince who dreamt of developing his
country, supported the efforts of the Englishmen in the mines of Azerbaijan and, as
a result, Williamson discovered the extensive copper deposits of Sheykh Darand
(Torkamanchay) in 1810 A.D. and Sergeant Monight set up a forging factory in
1815. In the same year, Richard Wilbraham reported, “our guide Mr. Robertson,
who is in charge of the miners said that he had seen no such deposit anywhere in the
world; in the extensive area of the mine that covers several miles, there are iron-,
tin- and copper-rich veins whose reserves seem to be never-ending.”
At the time of Amir Kabir’s premiership, major steps were taken toward exploi-
tation of gold reserves of the country. The Moote gold deposit in the vicinity of
Delijan, that is still productive, was among those that were explored.
In 1896 when the thought of development of the country through utilization of
foreign investments initiated, various exploration and exploitation contracts were
signed, for example, oil concession to D’Arcy and mining concession to Reuter.
After the victory of the constitutionalists (Mashroote Khahan) in 1906, concession
for mining gold at Astane (near Arak) was given to private parties with no success.
A scientific report by De Morgan on gold deposits of the country states, “Gold is
naturally rare in Iran, found only in riverine deposits of Kordestan, Khorasan and
Qare Dagh, but nothing is known on their mode of occurrence and methods employed
for their extraction.”
The thought of launching modern mining enterprises in Iran started at the end of
the Qajar Period. At the time of Ahmad Shah, the last king of the Qajar dynasty, a
census of all the active mines of the country was conducted in order to check the
feasibility of the operations.
3.2.9 Pahlavi Period (1925 A.D.–1979 A.D.)
The political stability that prevailed in the early times of the Pahlavi rule opened the
way for numerous development programs aimed at the industrialization of the country.
This included the construction of railway network and the establishment of steel
plants, thus increasing the demand for raw material and energy resources and
triggering the need for exploration and exploitation of mineral deposits. The setting
up of the Department of Industry and Mining within the framework of the Ministry
of Industry and Agriculture in the early years of the Pahlavi dynasty was the first
step toward achieving these goals. The main duty of this department was planning
for industrial and mining activities based on modern techniques, and, as a result,
contracts were made between the government and foreign industrial and mining
concerns for the transfer of know-how.
The first government undertaking in mining was initiated in 1934 in Anarak and
Shemshak. The Shemshak coal mines supplied coke to various industrial establish-
ments in and around Tehran, such as the Rey Cement Factory.
In the same year, during the construction of the north–south railway, the coal beds
of Zirab were discovered and the exploration work was started in the region. The
Galandroud coal mine (south of Alamde, Mazandaran) was inaugurated in 1937.
The Lead–zinc mines in Anarak, Esfahan, and Yazd; copper mines in Abbas Abad
and Zanjan; and iron reserves of Shams Abad (Arak) and Semnan were discovered
at the same time through the efforts of Reza Shah to set up modern metal industries
in the country. All of the exploration work was conducted under the guidance of the
Directorate General of Mining within the Commerce, Labor, and Arts Ministry
(Vezarat Bazargani, Pishe va Honar).
Though the early years were accompanied by technical supervision of foreign
experts, with the return of the Iranian graduates from Europe (from 1934 onward)
and the establishment of the Technical Faculty at the Tehran University, the super-
visory and operation works were gradually transferred to the Iranians.
The onset of World War II delayed the establishment of the Geological Survey of
Iran, which was originally planned for the year 1939, the same year that witnessed the
passing of Mining Law of the country by the parliament (Majles) (Alipour 1993).
The climax of mining activities reached at the time of Reza Shah was not repeated
in the years following World War II. The political instability resulting from the
occupation of the country by Allied Forces in the early 1940s followed by political
struggles between opposing parties resulted in the closing down of almost all min-
ing activities including exploration. The nationalization of the oil industry by
Mossadeq’s cabinet was about to show its consequences in the mining sector, but
the military coup terminated all plans.
Foreign technicians were employed in most of the key mining projects from
1950 onward. With oil being the main target of the exploration works, all investiga-
tions were centered in and around the sedimentary basins of the country by the oil
companies (especially the National Iranian Oil Company – NIOC). However, in the
following decade (1960s), the increased oil revenue of the country and political
stability once again prepared the ground for industrial growth and thus the increased
demand for raw material.
The Geological Survey of Iran (GSI) was finally set up in the year 1959, and
since then, most of the mining exploration has been carried out under the supervi-
sion of this government institution.
Following the skyrocketing of oil prices in the 1970s, the mining sector was once
again neglected, though the fundamental exploration works were continued by GSI
and NIOC. With no market to offer their produce, the few private companies that
operated in those years were run out of the interest and motivations of their owners.
The 5-year development plans of the government after the victory of the Islamic
Revolution put the mining sector back into the progressive track, and now there
are more than 2,000 active mines all over the country. Today, Iran stands among
the world leaders of mining products in terms of quality and quantity (Ghorbani
2002a, b, c).
3.3 Mining Techniques in Ancient Iran
According to archeological surveys, Iran hosts the most ancient mining activities in
the world (Alipour 1993). Ancient civilization, richness of natural resources, and
records of ancient mining and metalworking are testimonies to such a claim (Zavosh
1976). The techniques involved in mining activities can be grouped under four
categories, namely, exploration, exploitation, processing, and metallurgy.
3.3.1 Exploration
The extent and methods of exploration procedures carried out in ancient Iran are not
known. However, it can be inferred from the old locations of such activities that the
shafts and tunnels have been excavated meticulously based on scientific principles.
In the early twentieth century when the modern exploration works began, the ancient
excavations formed the basis of all the reconnaissance studies. The old works on the
mineral deposits of the country are called “Shadadi” (Ancient), in the geological
literature, a term referring to ancient abandoned mines where the modern Western
mining techniques and/or equipment such as earthmoving machinery and explo-
sives were not deployed (Ghorbani 2002a, b, c). Interestingly, no major ore deposit
in the country has been discovered till date where no traces of ancient mining activi-
ties exist. For instance, all the large gold deposits of Iran that are exploited today
were known to our ancestors for hundreds or even thousands of years; the Zarshouran
deposit had its name before being known for its gold deposit, so are Kuh-e Zar
(Damghan) and Zarin (Ardakan) – where the detailed explorations are in their final
phases. Table 3.1 lists some of the ancient mining localities that have been named
after a mining product.
3.3.2 Exploitation
Since the mining and drilling equipment in ancient years were not as efficient and
modern as those found today, exploitation would face quite limitations. The miners
exploited the rich and thick parts of the deposits, and, therefore, a winding network
3.3 Mining Techniques in Ancient Iran 75
Table 3.1 The relationship between the names of mining products and that of geographical locations
Part of the name Localities of mines
Zar (gold) Zarin, Zarshouran, Kuh-e Zar, Zargaran, Zarvand
Mes (copper) Talmesi, Meskani, Mejdar (Mesdar) Kuh-e Mes, Chahmesi, Dare
Mes, Sang-e Mes, Meskan
Zangar (copper) Zangarlou, Zangalou
Sorme (lead–zinc) Kuh Sorme, Khane Sorme
Noqre (silver) Dare Noqre (near Golpayegan), Noqre Kamar, Kuh-e Zardan Noqrei
(Baluchestan),
Ahan or Asen (iron) Ahangaran (Malayer), Kuh-e Ahangaran (Shams Abad), Ahangaran
(Qa’en) Asen Abad (Marivan)
Zaj or Zaglik (alunite) Zajkan (Tarom), Dare Zaglik (Ahar)
Boraq (borax) Boraq (Taft)
Gel (clay) Gelkan, Gelou
Naft or Tashi (oil or gas) Naftoon (Masjed Soleyman), Tape Tashi (Ramhormoz)
would be created in the ground wherein ancient work sites can be seen. The miners
could only work down their way to the level right above the underground water
table. They would dig through the deposit with narrow tunnels and holes in order to
avoid the risk of mine collapse.
The evidences of ancient mining indicate that two common methods were used
in Iran: underground and open-pit.
3.3.3 Processing and Metallurgy
Many researchers consider the ancient inhabitants of Egypt, Babylon, and Sindh
as the pioneers in melting metals. However, it is evident from the excavations
that the metallurgical activities in Iran predate all those of the other regions. Old
furnaces and the remaining slags at Yazd, Kerman, Qom, Kashan, Arak,
Khorasan, and Baluchestan all and all are indications of the expertise of our
ancestors in metallurgical procedures and their advanced knowledge of mineral
processing.
3.3.3.1 Processing of Zinc and Tootia Production
Chemically, Tootia is composed of zinc oxide. Most of the zinc extraction in ancient
Iran was for the production of Tootia, whose solution, a strong disinfecting agent,
was used in curing eye diseases. This compound was produced in large quantities
during Sassanian times and was exported to various countries. Though zinc oxide
can rarely be found in the nature, it can be readily formed by heating zinc-bearing
rocks in open furnaces.
Fig. 3.1 Tootia-producing

furnaces (Al-e Taha 1996)
The term Tootia (Moein 1976, A Persian Dictionary) is derived from the Persian
word Doodia, a substance extracted from smoke Dood (Al-e Taha 1996), thus indi-
cating the mode of production of the substance.
Tootia was produced in smelters, whose remnants are still present in Central Iran
(Behabad and Kuhbanan), from the oxide ore of zinc. The furnace (Fig. 3.1) con-
sisted of two sections: the lower section (section A), where the temperature reached
around 900°C, held the zinc-bearing rocks, and in the upper section (section B),
cones made up of porcelain were placed on a grid. Zinc fumes (in the form of
smoke) expelled from the heated ores in the lower section were, on cooling, depos-
ited on the surface of the porcelain cones in the upper section as soot, which was
later scraped and powdered to form Tootia (Al-e Taha 1996).
3.3.3.2 Cupellation Technique and Gold Extraction
Cupellation and panning constitute the oldest methods used for the extraction of
gold and other precious metals in ancient Iran. During the renaissance, this tech-
nique was widely used in Europe, especially for the extraction of silver. This method
is used today in experimental “fire assay” of silver and gold.
This technique is based on the chemical and physical characteristics of lead,
which in molten state displays a strong affinity toward heavy precious metals such
as gold. It involves two distinct stages:
(a) Melting stage: Preparation of the molten ore that precedes the cupellation
comprises of pounding the ore material with lead oxide and melting catalysts
3.4 Mining Provinces in Ancient Iran 77
(ash and borax) to get a uniform mix. The resulting mixture is covered with a
layer of common salt to avoid oxidation.
Next, the mixture is heated up to around 1,000°C. At this temperature, due to
the chemical reaction between the various components, lead oxide is reduced to
lead, which in turn segregates out at the bottom of the vessel. On its way out,
lead carries all the heavy precious metals with itself and, thus, a layer of lead
containing the precious metal is formed upon cooling. This layer can be sepa-
rated by the use of a hammer.
(b) Cupellation stage: The precious metal that was extracted along with lead in
the previous stage is separated here by oxidation and withdrawal of lead.
The cooled lead extract of the previous stage is heated up to around 900°C in a
cupel, which is a small porous bowl made of bone ash. The cupel is capable of
absorbing a quantity of lead oxide equal to its own weight. After the absorption
of lead oxide is complete, heavy metals remain in the form of minute nodules
on the surface of the cupel.
3.4 Mining Provinces in Ancient Iran
The results of archeological investigations carried out in Iran indicate that many
areas hosted ancient mining activities. Table 3.2 presents a summary of all the
regions believed to have been mined for various metals (Fig. 3.2).
Table 3.2 Ming provinces in ancient Iran

Locality Type of mine Locality Type of mine
Ahangaran Copper, iron, lead, and Abbas Abad Copper
mercury
Ahar Gold, copper, and iron Anarak Copper, lead, mercury,
and gold
Ardebil Copper Bafq–Kuh Banan Copper, gold, and iron
Damghan Gold, copper, and Daran–Najaf Abad Lead–zinc
turquoise
Esfahan Lead–zinc Kharestan Lead, mercury, and gold
Kerman Copper, gold, and Kuh Sorme Lead–zinc
turquoise
Lar-Asaji Copper and gold Masoule Iron
Neiriez Iron Neishabour Turquoise and gold
Qal’e Zari Copper Qom–Kashan Copper, gold, and iron
Shams Abad Lead, gold, silver, iron, Tarom Copper, gold, and lead
(Lorestan) and tin
Takab Gold, arsenic, and mercury Torbat Gold and arsenic
Zanjan Iron and gold Zarrin Gold
45 48 51 54 57 60
1
39
Tabriz Caspian Sea
2 38
3 Rasht
4 Bojnourd 37
6 Mashhad
Zanjan 7
36
5 9 8
Sanandaj Sabzevar
Tehran Semnan 10 35
Hamadan Qom
11 12 13 34
Kermanshah
Tabas
Naiin 33
14 15 16
Dezful Birjand
Esfahan 32
17
Ahwaz
Yazd 18 19 31
Kerman
20 30
Shiraz Sirjan
21 22 Zahedan 29
Bushehr
24 23
28
Bandar Abbas
27
Jask 26
25
Fig. 3.2 Map of Iran showing the ancient mining localities discovered in archeological explora-
tions [1 Ahar area (Cu, Au, Fe), 2 Ardabil area (Cu), 3 Masooleh area (Fe), 4 Takab area (Shiz)
(Au, As, Ag), 5 Zanjan area (Fe, Au), 6 Tarom area (Cu, Au, Pb), 7 Abbas Abad area (Cu),
8 Neyshabour area (Tr, Au), 9 West of Damghan (Au, Cu, Tr), 10 Torbat areas (Au, As),
11 Ahangaran–Shamsabad (north area of Lorestan) (Pb, Au, Ag, Fe, Sn), 12 Qom–Kashan area
(Cu, Au, Fe), 13 Anarak area (Cu, Pb, Ag, Au), 14 Daran–Najaf Abad (Pb, Zn), 15 Esfahan area
(Zn, Pb), 16 Zarin area (Ardakan) (Au), 17 Ahangaran area (Cu, Fe, Pb, Ag), 18 Bafq–Kuh Banan
(Zn, Pb), 19 Ghaleh Zari area (Cu), 20 Lar–Asagi area (Cu, Au), 21 Neyriz area (Fe), 22 Kerman
area (Cu, Au, Tr), 23 Kharestan area (Pb, Ag, Au), 24 Kuh Sormeh area (Pb, Zn)]
Chapter 4
Metallogenic and Mineralization Phases of Iran
Abstract This chapter describes the mineralization phases of all the minerals reported
from Iran. Since there is a good association between the mineralization phases and
orogenic and magmatic stages, it has been tried to briefly explain the latter as well.
This chapter depicts the type of mineral deposits formed in each geological period
and orogenic phase, and also explains the location of these mineral deposits within vari-
ous geological and mining zones. The temporal and spatial distribution of Iran’s mineral
deposits, ranging from Late Proterozoic to the present time, are clearly described.
Keywords Mineralization phases in Iran • Metallogenic phases in Iran • Temporal

and spatial metallogeny in Iran
4.1 Introduction
The pioneering work for the classification of mineral deposits in Iran through time
(from Precambrian to recent) was conducted by Momenzadeh (1981), followed by
Momenzadeh and Walters (1984), Ghorbani and Momenzadeh (1995), and finally
by Ghorbani (1995b to present). A good correlation exists between the mineraliza-
tion phases and tectono-magmatic events, including Pan-African, Hercynian, Early
Cimmerian, Late Cimmerian, Laramide, and Late Alpine, which played an impor-
tant role in the formation of mineral resources. Considering the available data on
magmatism, stratigraphy, structural geology, and basically the geological evolution
of Iran, it is possible to categorize the mineralization phases of Iran as follows:
Late Proterozoic–Early Cambrian (coinciding with the Pan-African tectono-
magmatic event)
Lower Paleozoic (corresponding to the Caledonian tectono-magmatic event)
Upper Paleozoic–Triassic (corresponding to Hercynian and Early Cimmerian)
Jurassic–Early Cretaceous (Late Cimmerian tectono-magmatic event)
Late Cretaceous–Lower Paleozoic (Laramide tectono-magmatic event)
Tertiary–Quaternary (Late Alpine tectono-magmatic event)

80 4 Metallogenic and Mineralization Phases of Iran
4.1.1 Late Proterozoic–Early Cambrian
This phase spans a period of ~270 million years from 800 to 530 million years ago.
During this period, some formations such as Kahar, Gharedash, Soltanieh, and Barut
in Alborz and Kushk, Rizu, and Dezu Series were formed. This phase concluded
before the sedimentation of Lalun. The phase ended around 530–650 million years
ago.
During this phase, the volcano-sedimentary units of Kushk, Rizu, and Dezu
series consisting of basic to acid volcanic and pyroclastic rocks formed in Central
Iran. At the same time, rhyolite and quartz porphyry of Gharedash Formation in
Azerbaijan and intrusion of Doran- and Zarigan-type granite in a vast region of Iran
occurred.
The Doran-type granites mainly occur in northwest of Iran and the Zarigan-type
in Central Iran. It seems that Doran granite is older than Zarigan and Narigan.
All these granites were emplaced in the period 570–650 million years ago (Ghorbani
2012b). The magmatic episode locally continued to Early Cambrian; manifestations
of these magmatic activities can be traced in the Hormoz volcanic series of the
Persian Gulf, the Barut Formation of Alborz, and the submarine volcanics in the
Dezu Formation of Central Iran.
Mineralization of this phase includes sedimentary and volcano-sedimentary iron
deposits in the northwestern region: There are several iron reserves in the volcanic
member of Gharedash and lower parts of Soltanieh Formation, which seem to be
co-genetic, with their host rocks. Iron in the Gharedash volcanic member occurs in
the matrix and is not economically important. But in the dolomitic lower part of
Soltanieh, some important reserves occur that can be traced in the northwestern
region of Iran extending from Arjin in Soltanieh up to Oshnavieh. Some iron depos-
its and occurrences of this type include Arjin, Shahbolagh, Mirjan, Trepaghlu,
Ghalicheh Bolagh, Chahartagh, Kuh e Tekkeh, Ghiassi, Balestan (in the east of the
Urumiyeh Lake), and Aghbolagh (Oshnavieh) deposits.
Volcano-sedimentary Iron deposits: Iron deposits occurring in the evaporitic Hormoz
Formation in the Bandar Abbas Region and in the lakes of the eastern Persian Gulf
seem to be co-genetic with Hormoz Formation. Typical examples include Tang e
Zagh, Hormoz, Larak, and Gheshm deposits.
Volcano-sedimentary iron in Central Iran: There are two types of iron deposits in
the Bafgh area in Central Iran: one is of volcano-sedimentary origin and the other is
of magmatic origin (Ghorbani 2002a). The first type, which is manganese bearing,
is older, less important, and approximately contemporaneous with the lead–zinc
deposits of the Bafgh Region. Representative deposit of this type is Narigan iron–
manganese deposit and part of Mishdowan iron deposits.
The second type that is of magmatic origin is younger and extends into Cimmerian.
This type is characterized by the abundance of REE as compared to the other iron
deposits of Central Iran.
4.1 Introduction 81
Lead–zinc: Large deposits of lead–zinc occur in association with submarine volcanic

activities in the Late Proterozoic (Ghorbani 2002a). This phase is represented by
low/high-grade ores in the Takab Region: in western Iran (e.g., Anguran, Alamkandi,
Poshtkuh, and Chichaklu) and Bafgh area in Central Iran (e.g., Kushk, Chah Mir,
Nahrak, Chah Gaz, Zarigan, and Cheshmeh Firuz).
Data from Anguran and Kushk point to their same age (Late Proterozoic) and
massive sulfide and Sedex type. Considering the lithology of the host rocks in Kushk
and Anguran, mostly shale and carbonate, and their geodynamic setting, they seem
to belong to a rift setting and can be called Kushk or Anguran massive sulfides.
These deposits may represent a different type of massive sulfide as compared to the
more common types (e.g., Koroko, Abitibi, and Besshi) (Ghorbani 2002a).
Gold: Muteh gold deposit, Golpayegan, occurs in the metamorphic rocks of Late
Precambrian–Early Cambrian times. The Muteh gold mine bears features typical of
mesothermal gold deposits (Ghorbani and Momenzadeh 1994).
Sedimentary phosphate: In Alborz and Azerbaijan, transgression of the Cambrian
Sea on Proterozoic units started at Manicayan, and through the Tomanian and
Atabanian, a sequence of shale, phosphate-bearing limestone and dolomite were
deposited on the Vendian dolomite (Alavi 1993). Some examples are the phosphate
deposits of Atabanian occurring in Dalir, Valiabad, and Firuz Abad in central Alborz
as well as in the Soltanieh Mountains.
Salt: Huge reserves of salt occur in Hormoz Series that consists of volcanic-
sedimentary materials.
Magmatic iron: In the Bafgh area overlying the lead–zinc and volcanic-sedimentary
iron ores, high-grade magmatic iron ores associated with acidic to intermediate
intrusions exist. Large deposits such as Chadormalu, Choghart, Lakkeh Siah, and
Mishdowan belong to this phase. These deposits are generally rich in phosphate and
poor in manganese; they are locally rich in REEs. Apatites are mined at Esfordi. Age
dating on accessory apatite (Jafarzadeh et al. 1996) of these deposits revealed a
Lower Cambrian to Ordovician time of formation.
4.1.2 Early Paleozoic
In contrast to the older beliefs of a very calm environment through Paleozoic, new
data indicate occurrences of tectono-magmatic events and related mineralization in
different regions in Iran during the course of Early Paleozoic (e.g., Lalun Silica
deposit in Alborz, Soltanieh phosphate deposit in Alborz–Azerbaijan, Valiabad
phosphate deposit in Alborz, Kan-e Madan copper deposit in Zagros; Ghorbani and
Momenzadeh 1994; Ghorbani 2008g).
Presence of phosphate has been reported from the Ordovician sedimentary rocks
in Tabas (Shirgasht Formation in the Kalmard and Rahdar), Kerman (Dahuieh,
Zarand Region), (Halalat and Bolourchi 1994), and Zagros (Zardkuh and Chalesheh
areas) in the Zardkuh and Il Beyk Formations (Motiei 1993).
4.1.3 Late Paleozoic–Triassic
Metallic and nonmetallic ores occur in Devonian, Carboniferous, Permian, and

Early–Middle Triassic in different regions of Iran (e.g., silica deposits in Kerman,
Esteghlal fireclay deposit in Abadeh, iron deposits within northern Sanandaj–Sirjan
Zone; Ghorbani and Momenzadeh 1994). There are not enough data on the geologi-
cal evolution of Iran during Late Paleozoic–Early Mesozoic to precisely recognize
the various mineralization phases. Some examples of Late Paleozoic–Early
Mesozoic ore deposits include the following:
Copper–lead–zinc massive sulfide deposits: Largely occur in Upper Paleozoic rocks
of Eastern Iran (Taknar deposit) and Sanandaj–Sirjan Zone (Chah Gaz deposit).
Exploration in these regions, especially in the areas close to the two deposits, might
prove to be very promising.
Iron and iron–manganese: Examples include
• Heneshk iron–manganese ore in the Dehbid area (Ghorbani 1990; Taraz 1974;
Hushmandzadeh personal communication)
• Iron ore of Kalateh Naser in Ahangaran (Qayen), (Ghorbani 1990), Zafarabad in
northwest of Divandarreh, and in the Hamedan area (Momenzadeh et al. 1995)
• Iron ore of Masuleh (Ghorbani et al. 1995)
• Hameh Kassi, Galali, and Baba Ali in northeast of Sanandaj–Sirjan in the
Hamedan area (Ghorbani and Ojaghi 2003)
• Apooneh in northeast of Sanandaj–Sirjan Daran in the Esfahan area (Hosseini
2011)
Lead–zinc–silver: Based on new evidence, considerable lead–zinc–silver or zinc–lead

and silver ores occurring in vast areas of Alborz (e.g., Duna, Elika), Central Iran (Kuh
Banan, Bahabad and Ravar), and Zagros (Kuh e Sormeh deposit) during Triassic
Period (Ghorbani et al. 2000). These deposits are often accompanied by fluorite and
barite. The copper–lead–zinc deposits of Eastern Iran, earlier attributed to Devonian,
are probably Triassic. In Late Paleozoic–Triassic, tungsten–gold ores occur in some
areas in Binaloud, Southern Khorasan (Chah Calb and Chah Charnoy), Sanandaj–
Sirjan Zone (Broujerd-Azna Belt, Eqlid–Dehbid Belt, Bvanat and Zartorosh), and
likely in northern Alborz (Gorgan to Asalam) (Ghorbani and Momenzadeh 1994).
Nonmetallic reserves: The interval of Late Paleozoic to Early–Middle Triassic is
significant in the generation of nonmetallic deposits, as large deposits of clay, baux-
ite, barite and fluorite, and as well as phosphates formed.
Fireclay: In Iran, most fireclay deposits occur in Late Paleozoic to Early–Middle
Triassic. In the Abadeh area, there are several horizons of fireclay of Late Devonian to
4.1 Introduction 83
Triassic age, for example, Esteghlal deposit. Some horizons of Kavir deposits are of
Late Devonian–Carboniferous age, and most of them belong to Permian–Triassic.
In the Tabas area, the Cheshmeh Shotoran and Chah Kular deposits in Robatkhan
are of Permo–Triassic age (Aghanabati 2004).
Bauxite: Most economic bauxite deposits in Iran occur during Permian–Triassic.
Examples include Jajarm, Bukan, and Saqqez (Soheili 2004).
Sedimentary phosphate: The Devonian Jeyrood Formation is the main host to sedi-
mentary phosphates in Iran. Phosphate deposits and occurrences have been reported
from the Jeyrood, Lalun, Firuzkuh, Damavand, Shahrud, and Damghan Regions. It is
noteworthy that large sedimentary phosphate deposits of Devonian age in the global
scale have been discovered in Iran and Armenia (Halalat and Bolourchi 1994).
Barite and fluorite: In the latest stages of the Paleozoic–Triassic mineralization
period, barite ore bodies, locally accompanied by fluorite, occur in many areas of
Iran. Fluorite and barite deposits occur in Central Iran in Ardakan, Kamshajeh,
Faskhood, Kashan, and Delijan as well as in central Alborz in the Triassic Shotori
Formation and in eastern Central Iran in the Tabas area, which are accompanied by
lead–zinc. All these deposits are of Early–Middle Triassic age (Ghorbani and
Momenzadeh 1994; Ghorbani et al. 2000). The Ghahrabad fluorite deposit of Saqqez
in Sanandaj–Sirjan Zone likely belongs to this phase.
Sedimentary silica: Silicic sandstones and conglomerates of Kereshk Group of Late
Devonian–Carboniferous age in the Kerman Region and quartzite horizons in
Doroud Formation of Early Permian in parts of Alborz (Masuleh) are noteworthy
(Aghanabati 2004).
4.1.4 Jurassic–Early Cretaceous
This phase coincides with late Cimmerian orogenic episode that is represented by
extensive magmatism and metamorphism in vast areas of Central and Eastern Iran,
particularly in the Sanandaj–Sirjan Zone. This episode was associated with the for-
mation of lead–zinc, barite, iron, iron–manganese, tungsten, gold, tin in east and
northwest of Iran and Sanandaj–Sirjan Zone.
Lead–zinc and barite: There are many deposits of lead–zinc and barite in the Lower
Cretaceous carbonate rocks. Some 300 deposits and occurrences of Pb–Zn–Ba of
Lower Cretaceous age have been reported in the literature (Ghorbani et al. 2000)
Examples include lead–zinc deposits in Malayer–Esfahan Belt in northern Sanandaj–
Sirjan Zone (e.g., Irankuh, Robat, Emarat, Lakan, Ahangaran) and deposits in Yazd
area, such as Mehdi Abad, Mansour Abad, Farah Abad, and Darreh Anjir.
Volcano-sedimentary Mn-bearing iron deposits: Several Mn-bearing iron deposits occur
in Malayer–Esfahan Belt; typical examples include Shams Abad (Arak), Ahangaran
(Malayer), Chahbasheh, Morcheh Khort, and Meimeh (Jafarzadeh et al. 1996).
Tungsten, gold, and tin: Deposits of tungsten and gold, locally containing tin, occur
in Sanandaj–Sirjan (in Broujerd–Azna Belt) as well as in Abarkuh (tungsten and
possibly gold), in Anarak in Central Iran, in Eastern Iran, Shirkuh (Yazd), Zarrin
(Ardakan), and southern Birjand (Jahangiri 1999). There are not enough data to
precisely identify the periods of tungsten–gold formation in Iran.
Copper, gold, silver, and manganese: These deposits have been discovered in meta-
morphosed volcanic-sedimentary units of Upper Jurassic–Cretaceous ages. The Copper
deposits of possibly massive sulfide type have been identified in southeast of Kerman
(e.g., Rameshk and Sargaz copper; Metalogenic Map of The Middle East 2011).
Kaolin and fireclay: Fireclay at the base of Liassic (base of coal horizons) in Alborz
(Sangrood area) and kaolin in Khorasan (Kaftar Kuh, Gonabad) are examples of
this type of mineralization.
4.1.5 Late Cretaceous–Paleogene (Laramide), Chromite
Associated with Laramide orogeny in Late Cretaceous–Paleogene times, significant

ore formation occurred in many parts of Iran (Ghorbani and Momenzadeh 1994).
There are several Late Mesozoic chromite deposits in northwest (Gheshlagh,
Khoy), northeast (Sabzavar Region), Neyriz, Fanouj area in southeast, Khash area,
Karvandar Belt, and Sefidabeh, which all belong to the Late Cretaceous–Paleogene
age. Chromite deposits of Esfandagheh and Frayab in southern Iran are related to
this phase (Ghorbani and Momenzadeh 1994; Metalogenic Map of The Middle
East 2011).
Magnesite: Magnesite deposits associated with ophiolitic complexes in south of
Birjand and east of Qayen in east of Iran and deposits in Sisitan–Baluchestan
Province belong to this phase (Ghorbani and Momenzadeh 1994; Metalogenic Map
of The Middle East 2011).
Manganese: Manganese deposits in Iran are mainly associated with ophiolitic
complexes. Examples include Ab Band in Fars Province, Gounich in Khash, and
some other manganese deposits in Baft (Kerman area) (Samani 1995).
Copper, gold, and silver: Massive sulfide deposits of copper, gold, and silver associ-
ated with Cretaceous ophiolites have been reported in the Haji-abad Bandar Abbas
area (Sheikh Hadi) and the Fanuj–Esfandagheh Belt in southeast of Iran (Khoyi et al.
1999).
Phosphate: Phosphate deposits in Gurpi–Pabdeh Formations of Late Cretaceous–
Paleocene age as well as economic deposits in Kuh e Lar, Sheikh Habil, Kuh e Rish,
Kuh e Koomeh, and Kuh e Sefid occur in Zagros (Kohkiluyeh–Boyerahmad
Province) (Halalat and Bolourchi 1994).
Bauxite: Occurrences of bauxite of late Cretaceous–Paleogene have been reported
from Zagros.
4.1 Introduction 85
4.1.6 Tertiary–Quaternary (Middle–Late Alpine)
This phase created the largest and most varied deposits of all ages in Iran.
The deposits occur mainly in the volcanic, volcano-sedimentary, and intrusive rocks
of Early Tertiary (Paleogene), Late Tertiary (Neogene), and Quaternary (Ghorbani
and Momenzadeh 1994; Metalogenic Map of The Middle East 2011).
Tertiary–Quaternary magmatism mainly occurred in Urumiyeh–Dokhtar Zone
extending along a belt from west of Urumiyeh Lake to Taftan in a northwest–southeast
direction; moreover, it is also seen in the southern margin of central Alborz and in
Azerbaijan on the northeastern Iran. It continues to Afghanistan on the east of Iran
and scarcely in Kavir Desert (Ghorbani 2003a). Deposits related to these magmatic
rocks are as follows
Copper: More than 95% known copper deposits of Iran occur in Tertiary; examples
include deposits in the Urumiyeh–Dokhtar Zone, deposits in the Tarom–Hashtjin
area, and Ahar deposits and copper deposits of Eastern Iran (Ghorbani 2008b).
Manganese: Significant manganese deposits occur in pyroclastic and volcanic rocks
of Tertiary (like those of Qom–Naien Belt) and also in young Tertiary–Quaternary
volcanics (like manganese deposits of Bostan Abad in Maragheh, Azerbaijan)
(Samani 1995).
Lead–zinc: There are many lead–zinc, silver, and copper deposits in the Tertiary
volcanic rocks, like Zeh Abad, Baycheh Bagh, Barik Ab, Ay Ghaleh Si, and many
others (Ghorbani et al. 2000).
Iron: Several iron deposits are hosted in both volcanic-pyroclastic rocks and in plu-
tonic rocks of Eocene to Pliocene ages (Jafarzadeh et al. 1996). Some of the depos-
its include
• Iron deposits of Urumiyeh–Dokhtar Zone like Niasar in Kashahn, Daran in
Esfahan, Shahrak in Takab, and Kuh e Baba in takab
• Iron deposits of Tarom Region
• Iron deposits of Ahar area
• Iron deposits of Eastern Iran, like Sangan and Tanoorcheh
Antimony, arsenic, mercury, and gold: Many epithermal gold deposits accompanied
by arsenic, antimony, and mercury occur in the younger Tertiary and Lower
Quaternary volcanic rocks of Iran. The more important deposits are present mainly
in northwest of Iran (like Ghorveh–Takab Belt), Anarak area in Central Iran, and in
northeast of Iran (Kashmar-Torbat-e Heydarieh and Ferdows) (Ghorbani 1995a).
Nonmetallic deposits: All bentonite deposits, most kaolin deposits and all perlite,
zeolite, alunite, and diatomite deposits belong to this phase (Ghorbani 1999d;
Ghorbani 1994a; Ghorbani 2002a).
Celestite: These deposits occur at the northern margin of Central Kavir as well as in
Zagros (Behbahan deposits) associated with evaporative sequences consisting of
carbonates, calcium sulfates, and halite deposits (Ghorbani 2002a).
Barite: Barite of vein and lens types as well as stratiform type occur in the volcanic-
pyroclastic rocks of Eocene and Oligocene in Qom, Saveh, Kashan, Delijan, and
Ghazvin areas (Ghorbani 2010a, b, c).
Chapter 5
Metallogeny and Distribution of Minerals
Abstract This chapter explains the metallogeny, mineralization, and paragenesis

of all mineral deposits. It is also tried herein to put forth the distribution of each type
of mineral within the metallogenic and mining zones and provinces.
Mineral deposits are categorized based on their distribution and paragenesis
to allow prediction of their reserves and dispersal in different geological epochs.
The reader would acquire a good temporal and spatial knowledge of all types of
mineralization in Iran.
Although the concept of metallogeny is mostly believed to be applicable to
metallic mineral deposits, it has been tried to extend the application of metallo-
genic principles to nonmetallic mineral deposits as well.
Keywords Metallogeny of metalic minerals in Iran • Metallogeny of nonmetallic

minerals in Iran • Distribution of metallic minerals in Iran • Metallogeny of
nonmetalic minerals in Iran
5.1 Iron
5.1.1 Metallogenic Phases of Iron
Iron deposits are not restricted to any particular episode of the earth’s history and
are found throughout the geological timescale. Though most of the known iron
reserves belong to Precambrian, there are known occurrences in Paleozoic,
Mesozoic, and Cenozoic reported from the world over.
Iran is no exception with iron deposits distributed throughout its geological history.
With origin and formation of the crustal rocks of Iran in Late Proterozoic and con-
tinued tectono-magmatic evolution, iron mineralization has occurred, and traces of
such activity can be seen from the said time till Mio-Pliocene (Jafarzadeh et al.
1996; Ghorbani 2007a).

88 5 Metallogeny and Distribution of Minerals
It must be noted that the deposits of Late Proterozoic–Early Cambrian are more
abundant than those of other time periods.
About four billion tons of iron ore of igneous (Sangan, Bafgh, Zanjan, Morvariyeh,
Sorkhe Dizaj), sedimentary volcanic (Bandar Abbas, Shams Abad), and volcano-
sedimentary (Soltanieh-Mahabad Belt, Hamekasi Complex origins) have been
discovered till date (Fig. 5.1).
Late Proterozoic–Early Cambrian Iron Mineralization: In parallel with the Late
Proterozoic igneous phase that continued till Early Cambrian (620–530 Ma), a
number of iron deposits have been formed that are directly or indirectly associ-
ated with the igneous and sedimentary volcanic rocks of this period. These depos-
its can be grouped into two categories based on their time and mode of origin
(Ghorbani 2007a):
1. Deposits of the volcanic and volcanic-sedimentary origin of Late Proterozoic
that extend up to Early Cambrian. These uneconomical deposits include
(a) Bafgh volcanic-sedimentary deposits (first phase of mineralization) such as
the iron–manganese deposit of Narigan, the horizontal section of Mishdavan
deposit. These deposits contain manganese, REEs, and uranium.
(b) Sedimentary iron deposits of Soltanieh-Mahabad Belt that have volcano-
sedimentary origin associated with the lower parts of Soltanieh Formation
and sometimes Qareh Dash Series. These include Arjin iron deposits
(Soltanieh Region), Shah Bolagh and Kavand (southwest of Zanjan),
Mirjan–Ghalicheh Bolagh (Mahneshan Region), Alamkandi and Chahartagh
(Takab area), Tekeh-Ghiyasi Mount (Soltanieh Region), Bastan (Mahabad
area), and Agh Bolagh (Oshnaviyeh area).
The iron deposits that are located within the Late Precambrian–Early
Cambrian rocks of this belt show sedimentary structures, and their paragen-
esis includes goethite, hematite, magnetite, and siderite along with calcite,
dolomite, and barite as gangue minerals.
(c) Volcanosedimentary iron deposits are occurring within Hormuz Salt Series
and their associated volcanics in Bandar Abbas and islands to its southeast
such as Tange Zagh, Hormuz, Larak, and Qeshm, which are mostly of Early
Cambrian age. Sometimes, these deposits occur within younger formations,
which are due to erosion of iron ores from older rocks and their redeposition
in younger formations.
(d) Volcanic iron deposits mostly mixed with Qareh Dash Volcanics include
Bardeh Rash Mount, Bichaghchi, and Hamam (Shahin Dezh area). Due to
their association with rhyolitic rocks, they lack any economic value.
2. Deposits of igneous (orthomagmatic) origin along with their host rocks have
been metasomatically altered under the influence of chemically active solutions
emanating from the original source of magma (due to this phenomenon, these
deposits are referred to as metasomatic in literature) (e.g., Choghart, Chadormaloo;
Jafarzadeh et al. 1996). The rocks of Bafgh and Sirjan area that constitute the
largest iron deposits of the country are of this type. They have been formed due
to the plutonic phase following the volcanic activity that gave rise to the Rizoo
and Dezoo Formations, for example, Zarigan and Narigan granites.
5.1
Iron
89
Fig. 5.1 Major iron-bearing areas of Iran

The igneous activity has involved an alkaline phase rich in iron and its derivatives
whose REE content was very high. The iron deposits of this phase include
Chadormalu, Choghart, Sechahoon, and Chahgaz (Zarand area), second phase of
Mishdavan and Gol Gohar.
Paleozoic–Early Triassic Iron Mineralization: This phase of iron mineralization is
comparatively poorer in iron content and deposit size as compared with the Late
Proterozoic–Early Cambrian phase just giving rise to a few small iron deposits,
which are as follows (e.g., Abpooneh in Esfahan area, Galali in Hamedan, Zafarabad
in Kordestan, all located within Sanandaj–Sirjan zone; Hosseini 2011):
– Kalat Naser iron deposit on the east of Ghaen (Ahangaran area) (Ghorbani 1993b)
– Honeshk iron–manganese deposit (Dehbid area, Fars Province)
– Zafarabad iron deposit (Kordestan Province) (Momenzadeh et al. 1995)
– Masooleh iron deposit having sedimentary origin in Permian (Ghorbani and
Mostafavi 1995)
– Iron deposits of Songhor area (Kanishire, Khosro Abad, and Deh Khazal)
All the mentioned deposits are hosted by iron-rich volcanic and sedimentary
volcanic rocks metamorphosed up to greenschist facies. Further metasomatic altera-
tion has resulted in the concentration and accumulation of iron in the form of layers
and lenses (Ghorbani 2008g).
Mesozoic Iron Mineralization: The iron deposits (all with manganese content) of
this time interval are mostly located in the northern zone of Sanandaj–Sirjan and are
of volcanosedimentary and sedimentary origin (Ghorbani 2007d). They include
skarn-magmatic iron deposits of Hamedan area, for example, Baba Ali, Chenar
Bala, and Golali, which are associated with the plutonic gabbro–diorite–syenite
bodies. There is, however, a probability that these deposits are associated with the
volcanic-sedimentary Songhor Series of Permo-Triassic age but were enriched
along with the plutonic rocks during the Cretaceous times.
Cenozoic Iron Mineralization: In association with the very widespread Tertiary
magmatism, a number of iron deposits have been formed, which can be traced from
Late Eocene to Pliocene. The deposits of this time interval are more widely distrib-
uted than those of earlier times because of the wide extension of volcanic and
plutonic activities during Tertiary (Metallogenic Map of The Middle East 2011).
The iron deposits of this phase include
(A) Iron deposits of Urumiyeh–Dokhtar Zone that are formed in parallel with Oligocene–
Miocene volcanism and plutonism, for example, Niasar (Kashan), Daran (west of
Esfahan), Shahrak (Zanjan), and Kuh Baba (southwest of Hashtrood).
(B) Magmatic iron deposit of Alborz associated with Oligocene–Miocene igneous
activity in Western Alborz zone, for example, Sorkhe Dizaj and Morvariyeh
(formed in association with Abhar, Khoram Dareh, and Zanjan granites).
It should be noted that a number of iron deposits in northern Azerbaijan are
formed by the alteration of sulfide minerals (Ghorbani 2011). These deposits
5.1 Iron 91
are generally in the form of gossan capping, for example, Damirchi (Tarom
area) and other deposits of Khalkhal and Ahar areas. The Eskandarian (Khoi
area) and Mazra’e (Ahar area) iron deposits of Azerbaijan are of skarn-mag-
matic type.
(C) Eastern Iran iron deposits including Sangan (one of the largest of the deposits)
believed to have been formed during Late Eocene to Oligocene–Miocene. There
are a number of views on the mode of formation of Sangan iron deposit:
– Ghasemipour (1976), in a report of Iran Barite Co., related the formation of
Sangan ore body to metasomatic alteration to intrusion of Sarnosar Granite
into the Mesozoic limestones.
– The report of Sangan Iron Mining Co. by Boroumandi (1982) ascribes the
ore deposit to volcanogenic processes comparing it to those that gave rise to
Taknar Rhyolites of Central Iran (Infra-Cambrian age); however, the author
believes that Taknar Formation is probably of Paleozoic age (Ghorbani
2012a). The author also believes that Sangan iron mineralization occurred
in Late Proterozoic due to the volcanic activities, but it became more con-
centrated during Tertiary as a result of younger volcanic activities that gave
this deposit skarnic feature.
– Kermani and Forster (1991) considered the Eocene volcanism of Eastern Iran
and western Afghanistan responsible for the formation of Sangan deposit.
– Bomeri (1992) stated a skarn origin for the Sangan ores.
Taking into account the extensive studies carried out on Sangan iron deposit and its
morphology, it can be inferred that the ore body originated due to volcanogenic
processes and later on was metasomatically altered by hydrothermal solutions ema-
nating due to the igneous activity of Late Eocene–Oligocene (e.g., Sarnosar Granite)
turning it into a skarn that is very well developed, especially in the excavated mining
areas (Karimpour 1991).
Clarification of the association of Sangan deposit with any of Tertiary (Late
Eocene–Oligocene) volcanics, Late Proterozoic (geological report of Khavaf
1:100,000 Quadrangle), or volcanic rocks equivalent to Taknar Series requires fur-
ther detailed investigations. However, by reckoning the claims of Boroumandi
(1982) and other experts of the Geological Survey of Iran, Sangan deposit may be
considered as an equivalent of Bafgh and Esfordi deposits having been formed in
the interval between Late Proterozoic and Early Cambrian (Table 5.1).
5.1.2 Distribution of Iron Deposits
The overall distribution of the iron deposits and indications of Iran can be classified
as under (Fig. 5.1):
1. Central Iran mostly concentrated around Bafgh (approximately 2 billion tons)
(Ghorbani 2007a)
92
Table 5.1 Temporal and spatial distribution of iron deposits

Age Paragenesis Location Deposits and indication
Tertiary Late Magmatic Concurrent with Oligocene volcanic Urumiyeh–Dokhtar Niasar (Kashan), Daran, Shahrak,
Eocene–Quaternary and plutonic activity zone and Kuh Baba
Associated with Oligo-Miocene igneous Alborz zone Semnan, Sorkhe Dizaj,
activity Morvariyeh (north of Khoram
Dareh), Damirchi
Metasomatic and volcanic; East of Iran Sangan
orthomagmatic
Mesozoic Cretaceous Magmatic skarn, Magmatic skarn Hamedan region Baba Ali, Chenar Bala, Golali
5
volcanogenic Magmatic skarn Northeast of Khoy Eskandian (Late Cretaceous–

Early Paleocene)
Volcano sedimentary Southwest of Arak Shams Abad (lower Cretaceous)
Triassic– Associated with plutonic bodies Northern regions of Hezar Khani, Khosro Abad,
Early Sanandaj–Sirjan Charmale (Songhor),
Jurassic zone Zafarabad, Hamekasi Complex
Sedimentary Central Iran Kharanagh Oligist, Rebat, Posht
Badam
Late Paleozoic–Early Volcanosedimentary East of Iran Kalat Naser (east of Ghaen),
Triassic Ahangaran region
Southern Honeshk Iron and Manganese
Sanandaj–Sirjan (Dehbid, Fars)
Hamedan–Kordestan Zafarabad (Kordestan)
Region
Alborz zone Masooleh (Gilan)
5.1
Late Proterozoic–Early Magmatic Zarigan–Narigan type granitic magmas Central Iran Choghart, Chadormalu,
Cambrian Sechahoon, Mishdavan,
Esfordi, and most of the
Iron
deposits at Bafgh area

Mafic and Ultramafic Magmas South of Sanandaj– Gol Gohar
Sirjan zone
Directly or Volcanosedimentary, intermingled with Central Iran Manganiferous iron deposit at
indirectly Rizoo and Dezoo Formations Mishdavan and Ghar Dareh
associated with Dahoo
plutonic or Volcanosedimentary, Intermingled Azerbaijan Bordeh Rash Kuh, Bichaghchi
volcano associated with with and Hamam (Shahin Dezh)
sedimentary Qareh Qareh
rocks Dash Volcanics and Dash
lower parts of Volcanics
Soltanieh Stratiform Azerbaijan Arjin, Shah Bolagh, Mirjan,
Formation with Ghaliche Bolagh, Char Tagh,
Upper Balestan
Kahar and
Lower
Soltanieh
as host
Volcanosedimentary, along with Bandar Abbas and Tange Zagh, Hormoz, Larak and
Hormoz Series and its associated islands towards Qeshm
volcanic rocks the south
93
2. Sanandaj–Sirjan Zone, including Sirjan (Gol Gohar with probable reserves of

1.2 billion tons), Arak (Shams Abad with a reserve of 100 million tons), and
Hamedan (Hamekasi with a reserve of 50 million tons), (Jafarzadeh et al. 1996)
3. Eastern Iran (reserves of up to 700 million tons), including Sangan in Taibad area
(620 million tons), Deh Zaman in Kashmar (approximately 20 million tons), and
smaller deposits such as Tanourche (Jafarzadeh et al. 1996)
4. Kordestan region, including Shahrak iron deposits (40 million tons), Zafarabad,
and Asen Abad (Marivan) (Jafarzadeh et al. 1996)
Other scattered reserves also exist that are not economically viable, for example,
Soltanieh, Shahin Dezh, Shah Bolagh, Mirjan, Semnan, and Bandar Abbas (Larak,
Hormuz, and Tange Zagh). Figure 5.1 illustrates the main iron-bearing regions of Iran.
Iron Deposits of Bafgh: Since the most important iron deposit of the country is
located in the Bafgh region, their origin is considered in detail in the following.
Almost all the experts who studied the Bafgh iron deposit have unanimously
related it with the volcanic activities responsible for the formation of the Rizoo
rocks (Daliran 1990; Jafarzadeh 1981; National Iranian Steel Co., 1983; Code 8
Archive 19 Report of National Iranian Steel Co.).
The main controversies about the iron deposits of the Bafgh area arise due to the
fact that in spite of their close association with granites, they are always observed
along with Rizoo volcanics and that is because there is a small age difference
between these granites and Rizoo volcanics and both belong to the very same mag-
matic series (Ghorbani 2012a). The author is of the opinion that the following
observations could be used in resolving this controversy:
• All the deposits are associated with the volcanic rocks of the Rizoo Series. These
rocks are well exposed in the area between Narigan, Esfordi, and Zarigan.
• The volcanic rocks of the Rizoo Series that were thought to be rhyolitic are in
fact basic to intermediate in composition (Houshmandzadeh 1988).
• The deposits of Bafgh are rich in apatite so that in some regions (e.g., Zarigan
and Esfordi) the ore is classified as apatite-bearing magnetite.
• The REE content of the apatites is high in all the deposits of the area (Halalat and
Bolourchi (1994) on Choghart area; Russian experts; Code 6, Archive 3 NISCO).
• Some apatite grains contain iron, which points toward the simultaneous forma-
tion of apatite and iron ore.
• The host rocks of all iron deposits have undergone metasomatic alteration.
• The radiometric dating of the iron-bearing apatite minerals of various deposits in
the Bafgh area reveals a Late Proterozoic–Early Cambrian age (Ghorbani
2012a).
Thus, it can be deduced that all the iron deposits of Bafgh have alkaline
magmatic–volcanic origin formed in a rift setting (Ghorbani 2007c). Some of
these deposits have undergone metasomatic alteration along with their enclosing
rocks in later phases. The time of emplacement of iron ores cannot be simultaneous
with the Rizoo Series; the larger ore bodies of Bafgh are associated with plutonic
igneous activity that intruded the volcanosedimentary Rizoo and Dezoo Formations
5.2 Manganese 95
(or even older rocks). The iron deposits have been formed in two successive but
separate phases (Ghorbani 2007c): the first phase is associated with the volca-
nosedimentary rocks of Rizoo and Dezoo Formations and the second phase is
associated with the plutonic bodies. Since the volcanic rocks of Rizoo and Dezoo
have high iron content, they have helped in further enrichment of the iron-bearing
plutonic bodies of second phase. Conversely, the plutonics have played an important
role in the concentration of iron in the Rizoo Series of rocks.
5.2 Manganese
5.2.1 Mineralization Phases of Manganese
The manganese ores of Iran date from Late Proterozoic to Pliocene, but most of the
deposits belong to Tertiary (Samani 1995). The important mineralization phases of
manganese in the order of decreasing age are as follows:
Late Precambrian–Early Cambrian: During this interval of time, volcanosedimen-
tary and volcanic manganese deposits have been formed in Central Iran and
Azerbaijan, for example, Narigan deposit in the Bafgh area and Amir Abad manga-
nese indication on the west of Angooran deposit. The manganese-bearing horizon
of this time is well correlated with the lead–zinc horizons of Kooshk and Angooran,
the sedimentary iron deposits of Mahabad–Soltanieh Belt, and Soltanieh Dolomites
(Ghorbani 2002a). Most of the manganese deposits of this horizon have been discov-
ered, but the hope for new finds is high.
Late Paleozoic: The manganese deposits of sedimentary and/or volcanosedimen-
tary type are found within the Late Paleozoic rocks of Eastern Iran, Central Iran, and
Sanandaj–Sirjan, which are mostly manganese-bearing iron deposits, for example,
Honeshk manganiferous iron deposits in Dehbid area and Kalat Naser manganiferous
iron in Ahangaran, Ghaen (Ghorbani and Mozafarzadeh 2008).
Cretaceous: In Early Cretaceous rocks of Sanandaj–Sirjan, there are a number of man-
ganese and manganese-bearing iron deposits that are volcanosedimentary in nature, for
example, manganiferous iron deposit to the north of Shams Abad and Robat in the
Arak area, manganese deposit of Moorcheh Khort, and Ahmad Roghani deposit of
Malayer. In addition, all the manganese-bearing iron deposits of the Malayer–Esfahan
Belt are placed within the Cretaceous rocks (Ghorbani and Mozafarzadeh 2008).
Late Cretaceous–Paleogene: The manganese deposits of this time interval are
associated with ophiolitic suites within the oceanic crustal rocks (Samani 1995), for
example, Ab Band deposits of Estahban area, Goonij manganiferous iron deposit of
Khash, Chah Basheh in Esfahan, Benviyeh, Gol Kangoo, and Kooh Dom deposits
in Anarak, Sanboort, and Asad deposits in Sabzevar, Baft manganese deposit of
Kerman, and Baghereh manganese deposit of Torbat area.
Eocene–Oligocene: Most of the economically important manganese deposits of Iran

belong to this interval of time and are of volcanic, volcanosedimentary, and hydro-
thermal origin within the Paleogene pyroclastic and volcanic rocks, for example, the
Venarch deposit of Qom, Robat Karim in Saveh area, the Bozni deposit in Qom-
Naein Belt, and the manganese deposits in south of Sabzevar (Ghorbani and
Mozafarzadeh 2008; Samani 1995). The geological indicators point to the possibility
of finding more economic manganese deposits in these areas, if further explored.
Late Miocene–Pliocene: A number of hydrothermal manganese deposits are asso-
ciated with the andesitic and andesitic–basaltic rocks of the Mio-Pliocene age,
mostly in Azerbaijan. In spite of their small sizes, these deposits are usually very
high grade (Samani 1995). Examples of these deposits are Debakloo nearby Mianeh,
Manamin in the Ardabil area, and Bostanabad east of Tabriz.
5.2.2 Distribution of Manganese Deposits
The manganese deposits of Iran are classified into three types (NISCO 1977):
(a) Hydrothermal vein deposits associated with volcano-plutonic processes
(b) Volcanosedimentary deposits
(c) Polygenetic deposits associated with limestone formations
The formation of manganiferous iron deposits of Central Iran is attributed to the
Pan-African metallogenic phase (Samani 1995). The rift-type pyroclastic–magmatic
series of Posht Badam-Bafgh region, subduction-related manganese deposits within
metamorphic rocks having ophiolitic affinities such as Petyar and Torkamani, and
the Late Precambrian aulacogen-rift type of Anarak are examples of this type.
The Paleozoic volcanic activity of Sanandaj–Sirjan has led to mineralization of man-
ganiferous iron in the metamorphic complexes (Hosseini 2011, e.g., in Honeshk deposit).
Among the manganese deposits that are related with iron mineralization of
Cretaceous times is the Shams Abad deposit in Arak region (Samani 1995). Moreover,
the Ab Band deposit (Neyriz), the Goonij deposit (Khash), and Bensport and Asad
deposits (Sabzevar) are also associated with the ophiolitic suites of Cretaceous–
Paleogene occurring within the lowermost sedimentary horizons of such suites
(Samani 1995).
The Volcanogenic manganese deposits are located in Qom-Naein and Sabzevar
manganiferous provinces (Ghorbani and Mozafarzadeh 2008). These are either
volcanosedimentary or hydrothermal in nature. Hydrothermal manganese deposits
are the result of the passage of chemically active solutions through Paleogene pyro-
clastic and volcanic rocks, for example, Venarch, Robat Karim, and Bozni.
In addition to the above-mentioned deposits, younger volcanic activities have
resulted in the formation of manganese deposits in some parts of Iran such as Mianeh
(Debakloo) and Bostanabad east of Tabriz .
Tables 5.2 and 5.3 depict the geographic distribution of manganese deposits and
indications of Iran while Table 5.4 lists the general characteristics of some of these
deposits. The geographic distribution of manganese deposits can be viewed in Fig. 5.2.
5.3 Chromite 97
Table 5.2 Provincial distribution of manganese deposits and indications

Name of deposit Name of deposit
Sr. no. or indication Province Sr. no. or indication Province
1 Debalkoo East Azerbaijan 13 Bozni Esfahan
2 Eideh Koochoo Ghani East Azerbaijan 14 Sorkh Shad Esfahan
3 Ghoopooz East Azerbaijan 15 Chah Sefid Esfahan
4 Vila Dareh East Azerbaijan 16 Robat Karim Tehran
5 Zarshloo East Azerbaijan 17 Venarch Tehran
6 Khalifeh Kamal East Azerbaijan 18 Bensport Khorasan
7 Manamin Khalkhal East Azerbaijan 19 Asad Khorasan
8 Koloocheh East Azerbaijan 20 Nogh Khorasan
9 Chai Talvar East Azerbaijan 21 Bagh Qareh Khorasan
10 Janbehan East Azerbaijan 22 Salam Rud Khorasan
11 Chahbashi Esfahan 23 Honeshk Fars
12 Benvid Esfahan 24 Ab Band Fars
Ghorbani and Mozafarzadeh (2008)
Table 5.3 Provincial distribution of manganiferous iron deposits and indications

Name of deposit or Name of deposit or
Sr. no. indication Province Sr. no. indication Province
1 Qezeljeh Maragheh East Azerbaijan 11 Arad Kuh Tehran
2 Kuh Zard Esfahan 12 Mohammad Alikhan Tehran
3 Khaloo Heydar Esfahan 13 Bardashkhaneh Khorasan
4 Torkamani Esfahan 14 Abdol Abad Zanjan
5 Moorchehkhort Esfahan 15 Chah Gabri Se Kavir Semnan
6 Hassan Rabat Esfahan 16 Gonij Sistan and
Baluchestan
7 Mooteh Esfahan 17 Sangaz (Sargaz) Kerman
8 Chah Palang Esfahan 18 Shams Abad Markazi
9 Qal’e Gong Esfahan 19 Malayer Hamedan
10 Niyak Tehran 20 Kuh Darbid Yazd
5.3 Chromite
5.3.1 Metallogenic Phases of Chromite
All economic chromite deposits of Iran have been formed in the Late Cretaceous–
Paleocene time interval (Ghorbani et al. 2009). During Jurassic–Cretaceous (some-
times up to Paleocene), Alpine orogeny resulted in the closure of Neotethys
Ocean forming numerous chromite deposits extending from Spain to Philippines.
The Chromite deposits of Iran correspond to the middle to eastern parts of this
ophiolitic belt constituting valuable chromium sources. However, some geologists
(e.g., c, Sabze’ei 1985) attribute the formation of Iranian chromites to intra-cratonic
Table 5.4 General characteristics of some manganese deposits of Iran
Age Name of deposit or mineral indication General characteristic
Neogene and Quaternary Debakloo, Eideh Koochoo Ghani, Hot spring deposits
Ghoopooz, Vila Dareh, Manamin, (terrestrial)
Zarshloo, Khalifeh Kamal,
Galoojeh, Chai Talvar
Tertiary (volcanic- Chah Sefid, Sargaz, Robat Karim, Hydrothermal–vein
plutonic) Bozni, Sorkhshad, Abdol Abad, (terrestrial)
Noogh
Late Venarch, Asad, Bensport, Bagh Sedimentary–
Cretaceous– Qareh, Ab Band, Gonij, Benvid, hydrothermal (marine)
Paleogene Salam Rud, Zaboli Volcanosedimentary
(marine)
Early Cretaceous Shams Abad, Chah Basheh Sedimentary associated
with iron (marine)
Paleozoic Kalat Naser, Heneshk Associated with iron
Late Precambrian Narigan, Amir Abad (east of Volcanosedimentary
Angooran) (marine)
Fig. 5.2 Distribution map of manganese deposits of Iran (Samani 1995; with some modification
by M. Ghorbani)
5.3 Chromite 99
rifts. Sabze’ei (1985) is of the opinion that chromites have been formed in an intra-
cratonic rift at Sanandaj–Sirjan during Late Ordovician–Early Silurian from
komatiitic magma. This opinion is not acceptable to the author of this book. Sabze’ei
attributes chromite mineralization of Esfandagheh and Faryab areas to this phase of
magmatism. However, later on, Sabze’ei attributes Esfandagheh and Faryab to
Precambrian. But the author believes that the age of ophiolitic complex (Jurassic–
Paleocene) indicates that the chromites have been formed during Laramide orogeny
in Neotethys (Metallogenic Map of The Middle East 2011; Ghorbani 2012a).
Chromite mineralization of Iran is of Alpine type, in which the ultramafic masses
are mostly composed of harzburgite and lherzolite (Ghorbani et al. 2009). Examples
of Alpine type include deposits of Greece, Cyprus, Turkey, Iran, Oman, and Pakistan,
most of which are cumulative deposits of the Mesozoic and Cenozoic age. Deposits
of Ural, Albania, Philippines, Turkey, and Iran constitute the largest Alpine-type
chromite reserves of the world (Metallogenic Map of The Middle East 2011).
A number of chromite mineralizations have been reported from northwest
(Gheshlagh Khoi area), northeast (Sabzevar area), and southeast (Fonooj area) of
Iran, as well as Neyriz, Khash, Karevandar, and Sefidabeh that belong to Late
Cretaceous (Metallogenic Map of The Middle East 2011). The chromites of the
Esfandagheh–Faryab region most probably belong to the Late Cretaceous–Paleogene
(Laramide) phase of mineralization.
5.3.2 Distribution of Chromite Deposits
The first report of chromite occurrence in Iran dates back to 1940 when a body of
chromite was discovered at a distance of 14 km from Kahak village, 70 km from
Sabzevar city, now known as Foroomad Chromite (Anaraki 1969). Taking into account
the irregular to lensoid shape of chromite masses and their association with serpen-
tinites as well as the overall characteristics of mafic and ultramafic rocks and serpen-
tinized peridotites, most chromite bodies of Iran are believed to be of Alpine type (no
Bushveld-type deposit has been reported till date) (Ghorbani 2002b; Ghorbani et al.
2009). The chromite deposits of Iran are concentrated in the following regions:
Esfandagheh–Faryab: Chromites of this area can be divided into two distinct belts,
one in the north and the other in the south. The northern belt is located at a distance
of 60 km to the southeast of Baft while the southern belt occurs on the northeast of
Minab at a distance of 30 km.
The northern belt contains Lar chromite measuring 60 km in length and 5–10 km
in width. A number of deposits have been discovered in this area since 1955, the
most important of which are Abdasht, Soghan, Sheikh Aali, and Seikhoran that are
located at an altitude of 2,150–2,300 m from mean sea level. According to Sabze’ei
(1974), the chromites of this area belong to four distinct stratigraphic horizons:
1. Lower dunite
2. Harzburgite and pyroxinite layer
3. Upper dunite and harzburgite

4. Lower gabbro within pyroxinites and dunites
In the Abdasht area, chromites have been found in Sheikh Aali, Soghan, Abdasht,
Bagh Borj, and Kamal Abad. Abdasht ultrama fi c massif measures 8 km in
length and 5 km in width and is composed of a more or less regular alternation of
dunite, harzburgite, lherzolite, and highly metamorphosed verlite. The probable
reserve of Esfandagheh is estimated at eight million tons (Etemadi 1997).
The length of the southern belt (Faryab area) is almost 8 km while its width var-
ies between 2 and 3 km. There are 23 mining localites in the area, the most impor-
tant being Shahryar, Amir, Ebrahim, Nazafarin, Nader, Majid 1 and 2, Yasmin,
Sarhang, Baharsang, Reza, Dastgerd, and Kuh-e Sorkh (Ghorbani 2008g). Faryab
mines are located in an area where the major geological divisions of Iran change
their trends from northwest–southeast to north–south. The area is at the conjunction
of two main fault zones trending in north–south and northwest–southeast directions;
they play a pivotal role in the formation of structural features of the area. The rock
units of the area are as follows (Sabzehei 1974):
1. Paleozoic (Devonian) metamorphics belonging to Sanandaj–Sirjan zone
2. Ultramafic rocks of Sorkh Band massif; this unit is in fact the lower part of unit
1 metamorphics, separated due to tectonic upheavals
3. Glaucophane schist of colored mélanges
4. Colored mélanges
Folding and metamorphic activity within the area is not very widespread, but if
present, the grade of ore as well as the thickness of the chromite horizon increases
significantly. The enclosing rocks are structurally undisturbed, and, as a result,
mineral indications are located easily. Recently, a new two million ton reserve has
been discovered in the vicinity of Amir Mine at Faryab. The probable reserve of
Faryab is around 30 million tons (Nasrollazadeh 1997).
Sabzevar–Torbat-e Jam: This region is located between Fariman and Shahrood.
Chromite mineralization is in the form of lens-shaped bodies of varying sizes
measuring from 10 to 350 m in length and 2–6 m in thickness. A total of 30 mines
exist in the area, 23 are around Sabzevar and 7 in Torbat-e Heidariyeh, some of
which are active. The amount of chromium oxide (Cr2O3) varies from 38 to 50%.
Chromite occurs in east–west trending serpentinized dunites and harzburgite bod-
ies. The shallower parts of these deposits have been excavated, and further work is
suspended (Vatanpour 1998; Ghorbani et al. 2009).
The Sabzevar ophiolitic zone is located to the north of the Dorooneh (Great
Kavir) Fault and south of the Shahrood Fault covering an estimated 2,000 sq. km.
The exposed ophiolites in the north and south of zone differ from each other and
have the following characteristics (Geological Map of Iran, 1:2,500,000, 1989;
Alavi-tehrani 1979; Ghani et al. 2010).
The northern outcrops have general east–west trend and extend from Abbasabad
to east of Soltan Abad (west of Neishabour). The ophiolites to the south of Sabzevar
5.3 Chromite 101
outcrop to the north of Bardeskan, west of Kashmar, and south of Dolat Abad
(Darvishzadeh 1991). The ultrabasic masses of Sabzevar–Torbat-e Heydariyeh are
in the form of scattered shallow (rootless bodies extending about 500 km in length
and 10–50 km in width). The Joghtai Mountains are situated in the north of the area,
while the western and southern parts are covered by Mesozoic sediments and recent
conglomerates, respectively. The chromites of this area have leopard skin and
stripped texture and are of low density. The most important deposit of the area is the
one located at Foroomad, 40 km north of Abbasabad.
On the south of the Gaft area, a number of lens bodies of chromite are seen that
run parallel to each other, the most important being the Great Gaft Lens measuring
65 m in length. The chromites of this area are dense having leopard-skin texture. In
the Soroor village, 9 km to the north of Foroomad, there are two chromite lenses that
have been mined out. Younger intrusive bodies of gabbro, diorite, and even granite
occur in the north of Soroor and Gaft villages (Ghorbani 2008g).
The Mir Mahmood deposit is located at a distance of 8 km to the northwest of the
Foroomad village, on the southern slope of the Joghtai Mountain. It consists of four
lenses of chromite that yielded 20,000 tons annually (Vatanpour 1998; Ghorbani
2008g). Another deposit situated at about 6 km from Foroomad is the Ghandaviz
deposit, which contains two large lenses of chromites and a few deserted excavation
sites exist in Kuh Siyah to the north of Sabzevar. In all the said localities, the shal-
lower parts of the ores have been removed, but it seems that the lenses extend far
below the surface where they are still intact.
Two deserted chromite mines occur at Torbat-e Heydariyeh that contain nickel
indications (Ghorbani et al. 2009). The chromite bodies of this area are more or less
concordant, with mineralization being concentrated in the uppermost ultramafic
horizons of ophiolite suites. However, smaller lenses of chromite are scattered
through the deeper parts of ultramafics. Chromite occurs in the form of massive
bodies of economic potentials in the north of Abdar and Sabzevar as well as in the
Ziarat area. These cumulate bodies have undergone various types of deformation
and fracturing due to tectonic forces, thus complicating the exploration work.
Numerous deserted mines are scattered at a distance of 45–55 km to the north
of Torbat-e Heydariyeh that housed cumulate-type of chromite in association
with dunites. Chromite grains measuring less than 3 mm, oriented parallel with
foliation surfaces, show cataclastic texture whose fractures are fi lled with
pentlandite mineral. In some cases, nickel is also present as traces in noritic
rocks (Razmara 1990). A number of copper veins measuring a few centimeters in
thickness and tens of meters in length cut across diabases and other rocks on the
north of Sabzevar.
Neyriz: Distinct outcrops of Neyriz–Oman ophiolitic zone extend with a north–south
trend from Dehbid to Neyriz. This ophiolitic band is cut across by Zagros Thrust
further southward on the east of Neyriz, where it disappears. Nevertheless, it appears
once again in the Oman mountains, and hence the name Neyriz–Oman has been
given to it (Geological Map of Iran, 1:2,500,000, 1989; Metallogenic Map of The
Middle East 2011).
The Neyriz ophiolite suite conformably overlies clayey limestones of Sarvak

Formation (Cenomanian–Turonian age). Petrographically, the Neyriz ophiolites con-
sist of the following rock units in the upward direction (Sheikhi-kahrizaki 2006):
1. Tectonized harzburgite with lherzolitic unit
2. Ultramafics with intercalations of dunite, chromite, wehrlite, websterite, and
clinopyroxinite
3. Cumulate units including lower and upper gabbros
4. Layered dikes consisting of dolerite and basalt
5. Minor plagiogranites located between dunites and upper gabbros
6. Pillow lavas and radiolarites
The most important metamorphic rocks of Neyriz ophiolites include skarn and marble,
which are in contact with peridotites and seem to be the result of metamorphism of
peridotites and limestones. Among the chromite mines of the area, Khajeh Jamali,
a deserted mine, is more important. The enclosing rocks of chromites consist of
serpentinite, pyroxenite, and harzburgite.
Khoi: On the Iran–Turkey border, to the west of Lake Urumiyeh, a number of
ophiolite–radiolarite suites exit that trend in the north–south direction. The area
falls between 44°44¢ and 44°47¢ eastern longitudes and 38°39¢ and 38°40 north-
ern latitudes. The average altitude of the area is 1,950 m above mean sea level.
Stocklin (1974) and Darvishzadeh (1991) are of the opinion that the ophiolites of
northwestern Iran (Makoo–Khoi–Urumiyeh) are similar to the colored mélanges of
Central Iran. The ophiolitic rocks of the area consist of the following units:
1. Ultramafics
2. Diabases
3. Leucocrates
4. Basalts and andesites
5. Pelagic sedimentary rocks
Sistan and Baluchestan: More than 50 deposits and indications of chromite occur in
Sistan and Baluchestan Province, which can be divided into two categories accor-
ding to their geological setting (Science and Technology Research Institute 1999;
Ghorbani 2002b, 2008g):
(a) Makran chromites, which are in association with ophiolites of south Jazmourian
and have an east–west trend extending from Kahnouj to south of Iranshahr, for
example, Goutij, Sabze–Ghalman, Mokhtar Abad, and Serze in the Fonouj area.
(b) Iranshahr–Nehbandan chromite belt, which trend in the north–south direction.
A number of chromite deposits are found in this belt (e.g., Kuh Zarij, Chehzar,
Nosrat Abad, Sefidabeh).
The chromite deposits of Sistan and Baluchestan form small reserves that are domi-
nantly aluminum-rich chromites with low-chromium content. Platinum has also been
reported from a few chromite bodies of the area, for example, Chehzar (Khash).
Figure 5.3 illustrates the chromite-bearing regions of Iran.
5.4 Copper 103
Fig. 5.3 Prioritized chromite-bearing areas of Iran
5.4 Copper
5.4.1 Introduction
The Chemical and physical characteristics of copper have made it one of the most
useful metals. Properties such as electrical and thermal conductivity along with
resistance to corrosion have widened the applications of copper in modern society.
Copper was the first metal discovered and utilized by man (Khoyi et al. 1999).
There are many indications that the discovery of copper took place in Iran.
The places that have yielded the most ancient evidences on copper smelting are the
first and second levels of excavation at Siyalk (near Kashan), which is definitely
older than Tal Eblis (Zawvosh 1996). Wertime (1973) is of the opinion that the
oldest copper mine of Iran is Talmesi near Anarak that probably supplied the
raw material needed for the furnaces at Siyalk (Zawvosh 1996). Another view
(Momen-Zadeh 2004) holds that the required copper for the smelters was supplied
from the Veshnave copper mine near Qom. Various artifacts made up of copper and
gunmetal, discovered during archaeological excavations in different regions of
Iran, point to the fact that copper was well recognized in ancient Iran.
The evolutionary trend of utilization of different copper minerals in Iran illus-
trates that first native copper attracted the attention of the Iranians (Ghorbani 2002a).
The Mejdar native copper deposit (near Ardebil), whose name is derived from “Mes
Darre” (Copper Valley), is among the oldest known copper deposits of the country.
In the course of time, oxide and sulfide minerals of copper were extracted one after
the other. In fact, in many ancient copper mines, the oxide fraction of the copper
deposit had been the center of attention and was extracted, leaving the sulfide fraction
intact (Ghorbani 2002b). Thus, the sequence of extraction of different copper
minerals in Iranian mines can be summarized as follows:
1. Native copper deposits such as Talmesi (Anarak), Mejdar (Ardebil), and Veshnave
(Qom) comprise the oldest exploited mines (since Shadadi Era).
2. Oxide copper deposits such as Ahangaran (Ghaen), Chehel Kure (Baluchestan),
Chah Moosa (Toroud), Abbasabad (Sabzevar), and Kerman area were known in
ancient Iran.
During the fifth and fourth millennia B.C., Iranian craftsmen were able to create
enough heat to reach temperatures required for melting of most of the then-known
raw materials and extract metals. Cuprite and malachite were melted using coal
extracted from mines in the Anarak area, where there are remains of smelters that
consumed these types of raw materials (Ghorbani 2002a). According to Diyakonov
(1967) in “Ancient History of Iran,” copper-melting procedures were well known
in various parts of Iran. With the advancement of the knowledge of metallurgy in the
Achaemenian period, finely crafted copper and gunmetal objects were created.
Copper coins were also produced in this period of Iranian history. Enormous
amounts of copper were used in the construction of “Ya’jouj-o-Ma’jouj” dam (also
known as Kourosh Kabir dam) in the Gorgan area (Zawvosh 1996).
In the Islamic Period, the well-known Arab traveler Abudolaf (Minoreski 1963)
has written about the greatness of the Neishabour copper mine. But it was not until
the Safavid times as the foreign travelers described the mineral riches of Iran, where
the vast deposits of the country are exposed to the world.
Chardon (1956) writes, “copper is found in Sari, Khorasan and Ghazvin; how-
ever, Iranian copper is not malleable. It has to be mixed with copper from Sweden
and Japan to make it soft.”
During the seventeenth century, Keary (from Keary Log Travel to Iran, 1969)
states, “three miles from Tabriz, there exists a gold mine which is not operational
because the extracted gold is not sufficient to cover the running cost of the mine.
A copper mine is situated four miles from there whose produce is enormous and has
huge revenues for the Royal Treasury.”
5.4 Copper 105
Conte Shoushuar, a French ambassador of Qajariye times, writes (Zawvosh 1996),

“Copper consumption is very high in Iran with no equivalents around the world.
Every domestic device is made up of copper. Most of the copper utensils are
produced at Kashan.”
5.4.2 Copper Alloys
The alloys of copper known to ancient Iranians include

1. Brass (called “berenj” in Persian), made up of copper and zinc, was used in the
making of tools and utensils. Due to the difference in the proportion of copper
and zinc, the density of brass was estimated as 7.5 and 8.6 g/cm3 by Biruni and
Khazeni, respectively (Zawvosh 1996).
2. Homogenous mixture of copper and lead, called “petroy,” was used in the manu-
facturing of pestles and mortars (Zawvosh 1996). This alloy is also named “Tal”
in Tansuqname and Harayes Al-Javaher. Biruni writes in Al-Jamaher, “it is a type
of shabah (a type of rock) called shabaha mefragha.” In other works such
as Rasa’el-e Ekhvan-ol-Safa, this alloy is referred to as “mefragh” (gunmetal)
(Zawvosh 1996).
Zawvosh (1996) is of the opinion that in the Post-Islamic Period (i.e., eighth century
A.D.), the name “mefragh” was given to an alloy of copper and lead. Nowadays,
this term (mefragh or gunmetal) is used for an alloy of copper and tin, which was
known in ancient Iran as “espidruy.” Biruni and Khazeni have both talked about
espidruy and have estimated its density as 9 and 8.9 g/cm3, respectively.
It is now definite that there are no tin reserves in Iran (Ghorbani 2001). The
localities famous for their tin mines, for example, Lorestan and Sistan, in fact host
lead and copper mines. Thus, the author believes that the term mefragh in the old
works actually indicates an alloy of copper and lead, since both these metals occur
together in the ancient mines exploited in Iran.
5.4.3 Copper Metallogeny in Iran
More than 2,000 km of the global copper belt passes through Iran (extending diago-
nally from Azerbaijan on the northwest to Sistan and Baluchestan in southeast and
from Semnan to Sabzevar in Khorasan) resulting in the occurrence of about 100
copper deposits that have been explored and surveyed (Fig. 5.4). Many of the world-
famous economic geologists who have worked on the country’s copper deposits
believe that Iran is one of the places with very high tendencies of discovering new
porphyry copper deposits. However, no detailed investigation has been carried out
on the mineralogy and metallogeny of copper in Iran. The results of chemical analysis
of magmatic or metamorphosed igneous rocks reveal the existence of nominal
Fig. 5.4 Distribution map of copper deposits and indications in Iran
copper concentration in the pre-Tertiary intrusive igneous rocks of Iran. Only a few
intrusive bodies of pre-Tertiary times are found that contain higher-than-average
copper content, for example, Taknar Formation. Nevertheless, most of the volca-
nics, andesites, andesitic basalts, trachyandesites, and basalts of Middle Eocene
have significant copper. At some of the metallogenic zones such as Kerman, Tarom,
and Ahar, high anomalies of copper have been recorded.
The following generalizations can be enumerated for the Iranian copper deposits:
1. Most of the porphyry copper deposits of Iran are associated with the Tertiary
intrusive and extrusive igneous rocks.
2. Older copper reserves are not comparable with the Tertiary deposits in terms of
quality and quantity.
3. Wherever Tertiary copper is found, a definite relation exists between them and
Eocene extrusive and shallow intrusive rocks.
5.4 Copper 107
From all the above-mentioned facts, it can be deduced that in areas such as Kerman,
Ahar, Tarom, and Hashtjin, where the Eocene extrusive activity is voluminous, the
volcanics have acted as the host rock, having been invaded by the copper-rich magmas
of Late Eocene–Pliocene. Leaching and recycling of copper from the preexisting
rocks and the chemically active solutions thus produced have resulted in the forma-
tion and enrichment of copper deposits.
5.4.4 Phases of Copper Mineralization
While there are indications of copper mineralization in Iran from Late Proterozoic
to Pliocene, most of the copper deposits of the country belong to the Tertiary (espe-
cially Oligocene and Miocene) time (Ghorbani 2008b). The overall phases of min-
eralization of copper can be categorized into the following.
5.4.4.1 Late Precambrian–Early Paleozoic
No major copper deposit is known to have been formed at this interval of time.
However, a number of indications (such as Yasouj and Shahrekord) occur within the
rocks of these periods which are not so important economically (Kar Ma’dan indica-
tion at the foothills of Dena). Though the volcanic, sedimentary-volcanic, as well as
metamorphosed igneous types of rocks (such as those exposed in Takab, Anarak, and
Bafq) have low copper contents, their lead–zinc content is abnormally high espidruy.
5.4.4.2 Late Paleozoic
Traces of copper have been reported espidruy in association with some of the
metamorphic rocks of Late Paleozoic, which are of igneous or pyroclastic origin
(e.g., Taknar massive sulfide deposit associated with the Taknar Series). The lead,
zinc, and copper ore body of Chah Gaz also belongs to this time interval. There is a
high probability of discovering new deposits if the equivalents of these rocks (such
as Gorgan Schists and Shandorman Metamorphics) are further investigated, particu-
larly in localities where a follow-up magmatic activity has taken place.
5.4.4.3 Cretaceous–Paleocene
There are indications of massive sulfide reserves of copper associated with the
Cretaceous and Paleocene ophiolite suites, for instance, copper indications at Haji
Abad (Bandar Abbas), Sargaz (Jiroft area), and Rameshk (southwest Jazmourian)
(Ghorbani 2006b).
5.4.4.4 Tertiary
Most of Iran’s copper reserves have been formed during the Tertiary phase of
mineralization. These deposits are closely related with the Tertiary magmatism that
can be further divided into the following phases (Khoyi et al. 1999):
(a) Eocene: Being dominantly volcanic in nature, the rocks of this phase have high-
background copper content. A number of deposits and indications are recognized
within this phase.
(b) Late Eocene–Early Oligocene: Most of the intrusive igneous rocks, including
granites, granodiorites, tonalities, and diorites of this interval of time, are associated
with vein-type copper deposits, for example, Mazra’e and Ghal’e Zari.
(c) Late Oligocene–Early Miocene: During this interval, which is the second largest
phase of Tertiary volcanism and magmatism, a number of porphyry- and vein-
type copper deposits are formed in association with the igneous rocks.
(d) Late Miocene–Pliocene: Mostly includes small shallow intrusive bodies that
are believed to contain most of the porphyry coppers of Iran. The igneous activity
subsides in this interval, but there are a number of deposits and indications that
have been formed during or just after this time; however, no information is
available on them.
5.4.5 Distribution of Copper Deposits in Iran
Comparing the distribution of copper deposits of Iran with the maps showing
the dispersion of magmatic rocks on the scales of 1:2500000 (Aghanabati 1991)
and 1:1000000 (Emami et al. 1993), the following zones of copper mineralization can
be recognized:
1. Urumiyeh–Dokhtar Zone, which is further divided into three areas, namely,
Southern (Kerman), Central (Anarak-Kashan), and Northern
2. Taleghan–Tarom–Hashtjin Zone (western Alborz)
3. Sabalan Zone (Arasbaran area, west of Ardebil)
4. Kavir–Sabzevar Zone (Binaloud and Taknar)
5. Lut Zone
6. Makran Zone
5.4.5.1 Urumiyeh–Dokhtar Zone
The rocks of Urumiyeh–Dokhtar Zone characteristically consist of Eocene to

Miocene diorites, granodiorites, and granites. There is no agreement among some
experts on the mode of origin of these rocks (M. Sabze’ei, M.H. Emami, J. Omrani,
H. Moein-vaziri); some experts (J. Omrani, H. Moein-vaziri) consider them as products
of a magmatic arc (Ghorbani 2012a); some (M.H. Emami, ?. Amidi) believe that
they are the result of rifting (Ghorbani 2004a). While the northern and central parts
5.4 Copper 109
are comparatively much poorer in copper content, the southern parts of this zone are
rich in terms of copper minerals. In fact, copper has been replaced by other metals
such as iron, lead, and zinc in the north direction (Ghorbani 2006b).
The Kerman region, situated in the southern parts of the Urumiyeh–Dokhtar
Zone, hosts 600 km of the copper belt with a varying width of 40–70 km (Ghorbani
2006b). Geographically, this zone trends northwest–southeast, extending from
Shahr-e Babak to Bazman. More than 300 copper deposits and indications exist
within this belt, 20 of which are thought to be of porphyry type (Ghorbani 2002a).
However, as mentioned earlier, the copper content of the zone reduces in the
northward direction. In the central parts of Urumiyeh–Dokhtar, only a few porphyry
copper deposits are known, for example, Khonj-Tal-e Siah and Kale Kafi (near
Anarak) and Dare-Zereshk (Taft), whereas no such deposits exist in the northern parts.
5.4.5.2 Taleghan–Tarom–Hashtjin Belt
There are extensive deposits of copper in the Tarom region, all of which are associ-
ated with Eocene extrusive (mostly andesites) and intrusive (mostly tonalites and
granites) rock bodies and show high copper anomalies.
The intrusive granite bodies of the Tarom area are of I-Type (Cordilleran) accom-
panied by extensive iron and copper mineralization. In the Taleghan area, a number
of copper deposits and indications occur in association with monzonites and alka-
line volcanic rocks (especially trachytes); the copper minerals of these rocks are
of carbonate type (Ghorbani 2002b).
5.4.5.3 Arasbaran (Ahar Area, West of Ardebil)
The Ahar area is the only location that structurally and mineralogically satisfies the
conditions to be termed Sabalan copper-rich zone. The area is very important from the
point of view of copper mineralization and hosts a number of deposits. The northward
extension of this zone comprises the copper–molybdenum deposits of Armenia.
The copper mineralization within the Sabalan Zone is of magmatic origin
(Ghorbani 2011). Taking into account the habit and type of mineralization, the
copper deposits of this zone can be divided as
(a) Porphyry copper deposits, which are molybdenum-rich, for example, Songoon
and Kighal deposits (Lotfi et al. 1993)
(b) Vein and skarn copper deposits, which sometimes contain gold, for example,
Mazra’e and Barmalek
5.4.5.4 Kavir–Sabzevar Zone (Binaloud and Taknar)
This zone is situated on the north of the Daroune fault to the south of the Miyamey
fault and Binaloud Mountains. A number of copper ore deposits and indications are
associated with the Tertiary volcanics of this zone. Most of the ore bodies are in
the form of veins formed in conjunction with andesitic and basaltic volcanic
rocks (Ghorbani 2002a).
5.4.5.5 Lut Zone
In the Lut Zone, numerous deposits and indications of copper occur along with the
Tertiary volcanics, mostly in association with andesites, for example, Ghal’e Zari
copper deposit (Khoyi et al. 1999).
5.4.5.6 Makran Zone
A belt of copper mineralization occurs to the north of Makran and south and south-
west of Jazmourian. This zone trends northwest–southeast in the Faryab area but
upon reaching Mokhtar Abad changes its trend to east–west (Ghorbani 2006b).
Most of the 50 copper indications of this zone have been mineralized in association
with flysch and volcanic–andesitic complexes. No detailed investigation has been
carried out in the area, but the geological evidence is in support of massive sulfide
origin of all the ore bodies.
The most important copper deposits of Iran along with details are presented in
Tables 5.5 and 5.6.
The relative advantages of Iran’s copper deposits over the rest of the world are
1. The average grade of known porphyry copper deposits with reserves exceeding
1.5 billion tons is above 0.65% (PRGC-Arian Zamin 2004).
2. Gold, molybdenum, and occasionally silver are associated with copper in all
known porphyry copper deposits. These elements make Iran’s copper reserves
more valued. For example, the Sarcheshmeh copper deposit with an estimated
reserve of one billion tons of 0.70% grade ore contains 270 ppb gold, 300 ppm
molybdenum, and 3.09 ppm silver while the Songoon copper deposit has one
billion tons of copper ore with an average of 0.70% copper and 50 ppm molyb-
denum (PRGC-Arian Zamin 2004).
3. Though the reserves of vein-type copper deposits of Iran are not as great as the
rest of the world, presence of a few veins in almost all the mineralized zones can
make the feed of a large smelting plant.
4. The vein-type deposits are usually rich in gold content (around 10 ppm), for
example, Khalife Lou (Tarom), Mazra’e, and Anjard (both in the Ahar area)
(Maghsoudi et al. 2005).
From the exploration point of view, the copper deposits of the country have the
following advantageous characteristics (PRGC-Arian Zamin 2004):
1. Excepting a few, most of the deposits are either hosted by volcanic rocks (ranging
in composition from dacite to andesite) or their intrusive equivalents of
Miocene–Pliocene.
5.4 Copper 111
Table 5.5 Most important copper deposits in Iran

Name of
deposit Location Reserves and grade Details
Sarcheshmeh Kerman 1.2 billion tons with an average Molybdenum (300 ppm), gold
grade of 0.68% of copper (270 ppm), and silver
(309 ppm) are associated
with this deposit
Meydouk Kerman Exploitable deposit is estimated The results of drilling in the
at around 140 million tons area reveal that the
with an average grade of probable reserve of
0.85%; comprising of 70 Meydouk is around 500
million tons of hypogene million tons and the copper
reserves having 0.70% grade increases with depth
grade and 70 million tons of
supergene reserves having
1% grade
Darre Zar Kerman 1.1 million tons oxide reserve In spite of the absence of
with 0.95% grade. 41 supergene deposit, the
million tons of 0.70% stripping volume is not
proved reserves and 100 great. Molybdenum grade
million tons of probable reaches around 500 ppm
reserves
Songoon Ahar Proved and probable reserves The supergene reserve is
estimated at about one and limited, and most copper is
two billion tons, respec- situated in hypogene level.
tively, with an approximate Molybdenum grade is
grade of 0.70% around 200 ppm
Mazra’e Ahar Total reserved measures at –
431,062 tons with 1.7%
copper grade. Exploitable
reserve is around 387,900
while probable reserves is
860,000 tons
Anjard Ahar – –
Darre Taft Proved reserve is 29 million The reserves are estimated for
Zereshk tons with 0.68% copper 3,079 m level using 21
boreholes
Kale Kafi Anarak Proved reserve is 13.5 million Mineralization is in supergene
tons with 0.90% copper region with very poor
hypogene. Total drilling in
the area 15 boreholes
measuring 2,200 m
Aliabad Taft – –
Taknar Kashmar – –
Abbasabad Shahrood – –
Ghal’e Zari Eastern Proved reserve is 360 thousand The deposit is of vein-type
Iran tons with 0.30–0.50% with high gold content of
copper about 10 ppm
Lar Zahedan 40 million tons of probable –
reserves with a grade of
around 0.40–0.45%
Ghorbani (2002b)
112
Table 5.6 Details of important copper mines in Iran

Production Details
Proved Probable
reserve reserve
Name of the Geographic Main Type of (million (million Annual Average
mine coordinates 2000 2001 2002 Status product mining tons) tons) production grade
Sarcheshmeh 55°50¢ 0.1–0.12 0.1–0.12 0.1–0.12 Active Cu Open pit 826.5 1,200 0.14 Cu = 0.68
29°58¢
Meydouk 55°10¢ Being Cu Open pit 180 500 0.05 Cu = 0.85
30°10¢ equipped
Ghal’e Zari 58°55¢ 0.06 0.06 0.06 Active Cu Underground 0.36 1.315 0.1 Cu = 0.5–
3.0
5
31°49¢ Au = 6 ppb
Mazra’e 47°04¢ 0.03 0.03 0.03 Active Cu Underground 0.2 0.431 0.04 concentrate Cu = 1.70
38°39¢ 27–30% 27–30% 27–30%
con- concen- concen-
cen- trate trate
trate
Songoon 46°43 Being Cu Open pit 1,000 2,000 0.6 Cu = 0.70
38°42 equipped copper
Taknar 57°46¢ Being Cu, Pb, Underground – 79 0.125 ore Cu = 1.50
35°22¢ equipped Zn
Ghorbani (2002b)
5.5 Lead and Zinc 113
2. The deposits are located in definite geological zones (Kerman in southeast,

Arasbaran in northeast of Iran).
3. Due to similar paragenesis of most of the deposits, copper-bearing zones with
specific mineralization characteristics can be defined.
4. Study of ore paragenesis and fluid inclusions reveals a forming temperature
of 150–400°C (Bazin and Hübner 1969; Dimitrijevic and Djokovic 1973;
Ghorbani 2008b).
5. Most of the copper-bearing zones (Kerman Belt especially in the Sarcheshmeh
area, Arasbaran Subzone especially in Songun, and Masjed Daghi) show charac-
teristic metasomatism similar to one another. This is even visible in the aerial
photographs and satellite images (PRGC-Arian Zamin 2004; Ghorbani 2011).
Moreover, availability of the technology and know-how for copper exploration,
processing, extraction, etc., along with inexpensive electric supply compared to
the rest of copper-rich countries add to the above-mentioned facts to make Iran a
promising country for future investments.
5.5 Lead and Zinc
5.5.1 Introduction
Lead: Due to the ease of extraction from its ore, lead was discovered very early in
the course of human civilization (Alipour 1993). Lead has been exploited by man
ever since 4000 B.C., and indications of its utilization in Iran during the third mil-
lennium B.C. are widespread (Zavosh 1976). Extraction of carbonaceous ores of
lead started prior to other lead compounds since the melting process of carbonates
of lead is simpler. It is interesting to note that in places where both sulfide and
carbonate of lead occurred together, the extraction procedure was limited to the
carbonates. In the pre-Islamic era, lead was made use of as slurry mix in the con-
struction of heavy structures such as dams and bridges (Alipour 1993). Mo’ien
(1976) states that “at the time of Selokids, iron, copper and lead were being
extracted, concentrated and exported under the supervision of kings’ administrators;
the mining activities were under the monopoly of the kings and the mines were
considered as kings’ assets.”
Lead sulfide, known as “Sorme” in ancient Iran, has been used as an eye remedy.
Names such as Kuh-e Sorme (Firooz Abad, Fars), Khane-ye Sorme (Arak), and
Dare-ye Sorme (Esfahan) are given to the localities hosting lead–zinc deposits.
During the Sassanid period and post-Islamic era, the exploitation of lead mines
was mostly carried out with the intension of silver extraction. In many books, the
lead deposits, then considered to be silver mines for their high silver content, are
referred to. The abundant use of silver utensils in the Sassanid period is an indication
of the extent of silver extraction from lead ores, since independent silver deposits are
not known to exist in Iran even now. The amount of lead production was so great that
Biruni in Al-Jamaher talks of the export of lead metal (Zawvosh 1969).
Zinc: The discovery of zinc and its utilization is a recent event in the history of
Iran. Zinc was relatively unknown in ancient Iran. However, utilization of zinc com-
pounds as medical remedies was well acknowledged. Most of the zinc extraction
was for the production of “Tootia,” which is the natural impure zinc oxide (ZnO)
produced in lead–zinc smelting furnaces. Its solution, a strong disinfecting agent,
was used in curing eye diseases. This compound was produced and exported to vari-
ous countries (Zawvosh 1969).
The German term “Tuthi” (Moein 1976, A Persian Dictionary) is derived from
the Persian word “Tootia,” which in turn has been derived from the word “Doodia,”
a substance extracted from smoke “Dood” (Al-e Taha 1996).
Tootia was produced in smelters whose remnants are still present in Central Iran
(Behabad and Kuhbanan) from the oxide ore of zinc. The furnace consisted of two
sections: the lower section (section A), where the temperature was very high,
held the zinc-bearing rocks, and in the upper section (section B), cones made up of
porcelain were placed. The Zinc fumes (in form of smoke) expelled from the heated
ores in the lower section were, on cooling, deposited on the surface of the porcelain
cones in the upper section as soot, which was later scraped and powdered to form
Tootia (Fig. 3.1).
5.5.2 Metallogenic Phases of Lead and Zinc
The most important phases of mineralization of lead–zinc deposits of Iran can be

grouped as follows.
Late Proterozoic–Early Cambrian Phase: In this interval of time, following the
magmatic activities associated with intracontinental rifts such as Takab-Anar-Bafq
Rift (Ghorbani 1999f), many valuable reserves of massive sulfide, volcanosedimen-
tary, and sedimentary type deposits of lead–zinc have been formed, for example,
Koushk (dominantly zinc deposit), Chahmir, Zarigan (Bafq area), Angooran, and
Alamkandi (Takab region).
In most of the deposits formed during Late Proterozoic–Early Cambrian, the
ratio of zinc to lead is much greater than one. For instance, the Zn–Pb for Angooran
is around 6 while that of Koushk is 4. (In fact, this characteristically high ratio of
zinc has resulted in the proposal of a new type of paragenesis for these two ore bod-
ies by Ghorbani 1999f).
Late Paleozoic: The Late Paleozoic rocks of Iran host a number of lead–zinc ore
deposits and indications, for example, Anjir ore body (Yazd) in the Permian rocks
of central Iran, Dona and Shakin deposits in the Permian rocks of the Alborz
Mountains, and Bahram and Bive Zan deposits (southwest of Mashhad) in the
Devonian rocks of Eastern Iran. Interestingly, there are valuable lead–zinc ore bod-
ies of similar age in the Zagros region, for example, Kuh Sorme and Dasht-e Bahram
deposits (Firooz Abad, Fars) in Dalan Formation (Ghorbani et al. 2000).
Triassic: Important lead–zinc deposits have been formed at Triassic times within
dolomites and dolomitic limestones (Shotori Formation in Eastern and Central Iran,
Elika Formation in Alborz and Azerbaijan, and their equivalents). It is worth
mentioning that most of the fluorite reserves of Iran are the associated gangue min-
erals of this phase of lead–zinc mineralization (Ghorbani et al. 2000; Ghorbani and
Momenzadeh 1994). Some of the ore bodies that were previously considered as
Late Paleozoic are now known to belong to this phase. Some of these reserves are
– Lead–zinc reserves of Central Iran, for example, deposits of Behabad–Kuhbanan–
Ravar triangle
– Lead–zinc reserves of Alborz, for example, Elika ore body
Cretaceous: Most of the known lead–zinc reserves of Iran are found in the
Cretaceous rocks. The ore deposits and indications of lead and zinc with Cretaceous
rocks as their hosts are recognized from all over Iran, for example, Sanandaj–Sirjan
Zone (ore deposits of Malayer–Esfahan Belt) and Central Iran (Mehdiabad,
Mansourabad, Farahabad, Dare Zanjir, and Nakhlak). In most of the ore bodies formed
during this time period, especially those of the Malayer–Esfahan Belt, the Zn–Pb
ratio is greater than one; this ratio reaches four in Irankuh. Most of the lead–zinc
deposits of Cretaceous genetically are of Mississippi Valley or Sedimentary
Exhalative (SEDEX) origin (Ghorbani et al. 2000; Ghorbani 2002b).
Tertiary: A number of lead–zinc deposits and indications are known from
the Eocene and Oligo-Miocene volcanic, volcanosedimentary, and sedimentary
rocks of Iran. If the ore formed during this time interval is hosted by volcanic rocks,
ore bodies will be rich in copper minerals and be vein-type. Such lead–zinc reserves
are mostly located within the Urumiyeh–Dokhtar volcanic strip, Azerbaijan, and
Eastern Iran (Ghorbani 2007b). Generally, the Zn–Pb ratios of Tertiary times are
less than one.
5.5.3 Spatial (Geographical) Distribution of Lead–Zinc

Deposits and Indications
According to their geological characteristics, the areas of lead–zinc mineralization

in Iran can be classified into the following categories (Ghorbani et al. 2000):
1. Malayer–Esfahan Belt
2. Azerbaijan
3. Central Iran (Bafq, Behabad–Kuhbanan, surrounding areas of Yazd and Sirjan)
4. Eastern Iran
5. Alborz
Figure 5.5 illustrates the distribution of lead–zinc deposits and indications in Iran.
To understand the evolutionary history of the lead–zinc metallogeny in Iran,
the geological and mineralogical characteristics of each of the above-mentioned
categories are briefly discussed in the following sections.
116
A : Malayer - Esfahan Belt

B : Azarbaijan
C : Central Iran
D : Eastern Iran
E : Alborz
Ore Deposit
Indication
Provinces:
1 - West Azerbayjan 15 - Hamedan
2 - East Azerbayjan 16 - Kermanshah
3 - Ardebil 17 - IIam
4 - Kordestan 18 - Lorestan
5
5 - Zanjan 19 - Esfahan
6 - Gilan 20 - Yazd
7 - Mazandaran 21 - Chaharmahal & Bakhtiyari
8 - Ghazvin 22 - Khuzestan
9 - Tehran 23 - Kohkiluyeh & Boyerahamad
10 - Golestan 24 - Bushehr
11 - Khorasan 25 - Fars
12 - Semnan 26 - Kerman
13 - Ghorn 27 - Hormozgan
14 - Markazi 28 - Sistan & Baluchestan
Fig. 5.5 Distribution map of lead–zinc ore deposits and indications of Iran (Ghorbani 2002b)
5.5.3.1 Malayer–Esfahan Belt
From the geological point of view, all the deposits of this belt are younger than
Jurassic. In fact, the rocks hosting these ore deposits and indications are Cretaceous
carbonates that overlie Jurassic shales; in fact, there are no Tertiary volcanogenic
ore deposits in this belt. Nevertheless, in the northwest part of this belt, evidence of
submarine volcanic activity in form of tuffs and lavas is visible in the surrounding
areas of some ore bodies such as Shamsabad, Ashtiyan, and Khomein (Ghorbani
2002b; Ghorbani et al. 2000).
The host rock of all the ore deposits is limestone. The mineral composition of
the ore bodies of this belt is of sulfide type; carbonaceous ores of lead–zinc are
also present in shallower parts of the ore bodies. Even though lead and zinc are
both present in all the deposits, the lead content of smaller ore bodies is greater as
compared to the larger deposits where the situation is vice versa. The associated
gangue minerals are dominantly composed of silica or lime; toward Esfahan,
barite and fluorite also appear in the gangue reaching their maximum amount in
the north and northeast of Esfahan City. Though the silver content of the ores is
relatively high in this belt, it gradually decreases from Ahangaran (Malayer) toward
Esfahan. This trend is accompanied by gradual increase in the zinc–lead ratio
(Ghorbani 2002b).
The ore minerals of the smaller deposits are dominantly formed along fault
plains, joint surfaces, and fractures. In Khomein, Shamsabad, and Ashtiyan, iron
mineralization occurs side-by-side lead–zinc.
5.5.3.2 Azerbaijan Region
The lead–zinc ore deposits of Azerbaijan region can be categorized into two main
classes on the bases of their time of origin, paragenesis, and host rock composition,
which are enumerated below (Ghorbani 2002b; Ghorbani et al. 2000):
1. Pre-Tertiary deposits, dominantly Late Proterozoic–Early Cambrian, found in
southern areas of Azerbaijan (especially in southern Zanjan, Takab, and Shahin
Dez, e.g., Angooran, Alamkandi, and Poshtkuh).
2. Tertiary deposits, associated with Tertiary magmatism, found in north Azerbaijan–
Tarom Belt, whose host rocks are mainly vein-type volcanics that form small
bodies rich in copper, lead, zinc, and, occasionally, gold. Here the zinc content is
usually greater as compared to lead.
5.5.3.3 Central Iran
According to the time of origination, there are three categories of lead–zinc deposits
in Central Iran (Ghorbani 2002b, 2007b; Ghorbani et al. 2000):
1. Late Proterozoic deposits, for example, ore bodies of Bafq area (e.g., Koushk,
Chahmir, Zarigan, God-e Vafadari, Cheshme Firoozi, Farak, Gonde Dar), which
ore bodies are either oxide or sulfide type with sulfide type ores dominating.
The host rocks are shales or carbonates, the former being in greater proportion.
The ore bodies are mainly of stratiform type, and their origin is either massive
sulfide or sedimentary exhalative.
2. Triassic ore deposits and indications in and around Behabad, Kuhbanan, Ravar,
and Tabas (specially Ozbak Kuh) areas (e.g., Goujar, Deh Asgar, Gour, Tarzeh,
and Taj Kuh deposits) that are mainly oxide ores formed along faulting surfaces
of dolomitic hosts. The zinc content of most of these deposits is higher than lead
occasionally reaching 15–20%.
3. Cretaceous ore deposits that are widely distributed in Central Iran and include
Mehdiabad (near Yazd), Taft, and Anarak regions. All the ore deposits are identical
in their mineralogical composition, host rocks, and stratigraphical horizon. They
are dominantly concentrated in Yazd Province with Taft Formation as their host.
In the mining localities, the mineralization has taken place at the contact between
Sangestan Clastic and Taft Formations.
The enclosing rocks of the lead–zinc deposits of Central Iran are usually sedimentary
in nature. The lead minerals are mostly of carbonate type; cerussite is more abundant
as compared to galena. The zinc minerals are also of carbonate (smithsonite) and
silicate (calamine) type; however, this is not the case for the larger deposits of
Mehdiabad and Koushk. In most localities, the associated gangues are calcite
(dominating in Behabad–Kuhbanan area) along with large quantities of iron oxide.
However, calcite is associated with quartz in some place, and occasionally quartz
is the only gangue present. Barite seldom occurs as the gangue mineral (except
in Mehdiabad). Fluorite occurs as rare mineral in the deposits and indications of
this zone.
5.5.3.4 Eastern and Southeastern Iran
The important point regarding the lead–zinc mineral deposits in eastern and
southeastern parts of Iran is that their age variation is less compared to the rest of
the country (mostly belong to Tertiary). There is no controversy regarding the
hydrothermal origin of these deposits (Science and Technology Research Institute
1999; Ghorbani 2002b). Lead and zinc minerals occur in almost equal amounts
in all the ore bodies of this region. Chemically, the ores are composed of sulfide.
In southeastern regions of the country, for example, in north and northeast of
Taftan, the silver content of the ore bodies is extraordinarily high. The host rocks
are volcanics varying from andesites to dacites in composition. Pyrite, considered as
the gangue in these deposits, is very abundant while copper-bearing minerals form
minor mineral of these ores. Most of these deposits are of vein type. Till date, no
major lead–zinc deposits have been discovered in this region.
5.6 Aluminum 119
5.5.3.5 Alborz Region
The lead–zinc deposits of the Alborz region are mineralogically dominated by the
lead ores while the zinc minerals are rare. The host rocks vary from Permian to
Tertiary, but most enclosing rocks belong to the Elika and Route Formations that are
carbonaceous in composition. Nevertheless, some deposits have formed within
Jurassic (Dalichai Formation) and Eocene Limestones (Ghorbani 2005j). In many
localities, volcanic rocks, tuffs, and intrusive bodies occur in the vicinity of the min-
eral deposits. The lead minerals are mostly of sulfide type with carbonate composi-
tions forming minor portion of the deposits. Barite is the chief gangue present in all
of the ore bodies. Copper minerals are rare in the lead–zinc deposits of this region.
Fluorite is so abundant in some of the deposits that they are more famous for their
fluorite content, for example, Pachi-Miana deposit. The Silver content of the most
of the ore bodies is high, and sometimes tonardite is also present in them, for
example, Dona and Elika deposits (Ghorbani et al. 2000).
5.5.4 Economically Important Lead–Zinc Deposits
There are about 700 known lead–zinc ore deposits and indications in Iran, of which
around 150 have been extracted so far. At present, mining activities within nine
localities are in progress (Table 5.7).
Although the Geological Survey of Iran along with other government and private
institutions has explored all the lead–zinc deposits of the country under the auspices
of the Lead–Zinc Prospecting Project, detailed investigations of the metallogenic
characterization and reserve estimation of the deposits are yet to be carried out.
Considering the results of geological studies and laboratory examinations
extracted from the archives of the mining authorities (Ghorbani 2002b), along with
the field observations of more than 200 localities in various parts of Iran, we have
tried here to classify the reserves based on their geological characteristics.
The total amount of the known lead and zinc reserves of the country is estimated
at over 200 million tons of ore amounting to about 18 million tons of zinc and five
million tons of lead, taking into account the ore grades. Table 5.8 shows the
specifications of some of the more important lead–zinc deposits of Iran.
5.6 Aluminum
5.6.1 Introduction
A large volume of bauxites are contained within stable continental settings such as
shields and platforms in lateritic type and paraplatforms in tichon type. More than
92% of karstic bauxites are found within the orogenic belts (Shahriyari 1986).
120
Table 5.7 Production in most important active lead and zinc mines in Iran (2000–2002)
Name Angooran Koushk Emarat Irankuh Nakhlak Dona–Elika Dare Anjir Kuh-e Sorme Mehdiabad
Geographic 47°24¢ 55°44¢ 49°36¢ 51°26¢ 53°50¢ 51°27¢ 54°13¢ 53°30¢ 55°01¢
coordinates 36°37¢ 31°45¢ 33°51¢ 32°43¢ 33°33¢ 36°09¢ 31°34¢ 28°03¢ 31°29¢
Location 120 km off 42 km from 46 km off 51 km off Nakhlak 95 km off 10 km west 25 km off 80 km off
Annan Bafq on Arak on Esfahan Lead Mine, Karaj on of Taft Dalan Yazd on
on Bafq– Arak– on on Naein– the road on the refinery the road to
Zanjan– Behabad Shazand Esfahan– Anarak to road to on road to Kerman
Dandi Road Road Shiraz Road Chalous Deh Firoozabad
Road Road Bala
5
Production 2008 0.34 0.016–0.017 0.0055– 0.415 0.02 0.006 0.0015 – 0.001
(mt.) (con.) 0.0735 (sulfur)
(con.) 0.002
(carbon-
ate)
2009 0.4 0.016–0.017 0.0055– 0.296 0.024 0.006 0.0015 0.003 0.001
(con.) 0.0735 (sulfur)
(con.) 0.0067
(carbon-
ate)
2010 0.45 0.012 (con.) 0.0055– 0.14 0.019 0.006 0.001 0.0035 0.001
0.0735 (sulfur)
(con.) 0.058
(carbon-
ate)
Details Project Active Active Active Active Active Active Active Active Installation of
status equipment
Main Metal Zn, Pb Zn, Pb Zn, Pb Zn, Pb Zn, Pb Pb, Zn, Ag Zn, Pb Zn, Pb Zn, Pb
(s)
Mine type OP OP, UG OP OP UG UG UG UG OP, UG
5.6 Aluminum
Proved 21 6 2 9.92 0.549 0.5 – 0.4 45

reserves
(mt.)
Probable 21.7 8.5 10.5 30–40 7 1 0.02–0.03 0.84 200
reserves
(mt.)
Remaining 12 2.5 2.5 <0.4
reserves
Average Zn = 28; Zn = 12; Pb = 3Zn = 6; Sufide: Pb = 8.33; Pb + Zn 6.7; Pb + Zn Pb + Zn Pb = 2.7;
grade (%) Pb = 3–6 Pb = 2.25 Zn = 3–6; Zn = 0.38; Ag = 12–16 10–15 Zn = 7.7
Pb = 1.8 Ag > 70 ppm 1,400 ppm
Oxide:
Zn = 2;
Pb = 2
OP open pit, UG underground
121
122
Table 5.8 Characteristics of the most important lead and zinc ore deposits of Iran
Name of the Reserves (million
Sr. no. deposit Geographic location tons of ore) Average grade Details
1 Angooran Southwest of Zanjan, 21 million tons of oxide Zn 28% The said reserve is mainly oxide ore enclosed in
Dandi Area ores remaining Pb 3–6% carbonaceous host. However, the sulfide ore
reserves are not yet explored. Probability of
new finds is high
2 Mehdiabad Yazd 45 million tons of higher Pb 2.7% The northern limit of the reserve is not known,
grade sulfide reserves Zn 7.7% and thus, probability of an increase in the
104 million tons of lower grade Zn 5.5% reserves up to 100 million tons exists. The
sulfide reserves Pb 2% oxide ore has a zinc grade of 15–20% and
amounts to two million tons
3 Koushk Bafq, Yazd Remaining high-grade ores: 2.5 Average 15% The major part of the ore body has been
5
million tons; Low-grade Zn 12% and Pb 3% extracted (around 3.5 million tons).
ores in pyritized zone: Zn 4–6% within However, the low-grade pyritized reserves
4–6 million tons equal the whole deposit.
pyritized zone
4 Irankuh Esfahan Total remaining reserves: 8–9 Zn 5% and Pb 1.8% Goushfil (three million tons, Pb 2%, Zn 3%),
Complex million tons; An estimated in sulfide zone Tape Sorkh (five million tons, Pb 1.5%, Zn
equal amount has been so far Zn 2% and Pb 2% in 3%), Kolah Darvaze (exhausted), and
extracted; Oxide zone reserves oxide zone God-e-Zendan deposits are included in this
amount to one million tons complex
5 Emarat Shamsabad, Arak Remaining reserves: ten Zn 6% The probable reserves of the deposit had been
million tons Pb 2.26% estimated at ten million tons which is proved
recently
6 Chah Gaz Sirjan Proved reserves: The average grade The deposit includes both oxide and sulfide ores
0.4 million tons of lead–zinc is whose explorations are not yet complete
Probable reserves: two about 20%
million tons
Name of the Reserves (million
Sr. no. deposit Geographic location tons of ore) Average grade Details
7 Chah Mir Shitour, near Bafq, Proved reserves unknown; Zn 10% Although the exploration work is not yet over,
Yazd probable reserves: two Pb 2% but all the evidence indicates that the
million tons mineralization processes are similar to those
of Koushk deposit (especially the low-grade
parts of Koushk)
5.6 Aluminum
8 Goucher Behabad–Kuhbanan Proved reserves: 0.4 million tons Zn 15% or more Mineralization is of oxide type. Zinc occurs as
region Probable reserves: two million tons Pb 5% silicate and carbonate while lead is in the
form of cerrusite
9 Kuh Sorme Firooz Abad, Fars Proved reserves: 0.4 million tons Zn 17% The deposit has been explored and excavated
Probable reserves: one million tons Pb 5–15% simultaneously, and more than 500,000 tons
of ores have been extracted till date
10 Elika and Chalous Proved reserves: 0.5 million tons Pb 6.7% Reserves largely mined
Dona Probable reserves: one million tons Ag 14 ppm
11 Nakhlak Anarak Seven million tons Pb 8.33% Reserves largely mined
Zn 0.38%
Ag ³ 70 ppm
Ghorbani (2002b) with some modification
123
Bauxite deposits are known from all over the world, except Antarctica. Vast
reserves of bauxite exist in the tropical and subtropical regions of Australia, Africa,
Asia, and North and South America (Caribbean region).
The Karstic bauxite deposits of Europe are better known as Mediterranean Belt
deposits extending over Turkey, Hungary, France, and Yugoslavia (Bradossy
1993; Shaffer 1975). The Characteristic Asian bauxite deposits are found in Russia
(Ural and Siberia), Irano-Himalayan (Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Kashmir), and
East Asia (China, Vietnam, Indonesia) (Metallogenic Map of The Middle East
2011; Ghorbani 2010b).
5.6.2 Temporal Settings of Bauxite Deposits
The Bauxite deposits are known from all geological epochs, and the oldest belongs
to Cambrian. The Karstic bauxite deposits have been reported in all continents,
except Africa, from all geological ages. Lateritic deposits are mostly confined to
tropical and subtropical Cenozoic and younger horizons (Smirnov 1983). The
statistics show that the bauxites of Paleozoic age constitute 25.1% of the world’s
total reserves while that of Mesozoic and Cenozoic constitute 35.3 and 39.6%
(Smirnov 1983; Mineral Facts and Problems 1985; Shaffer 1975). The distributions
of karstic bauxites reached several maxima during Devonian, Carboniferous, Upper
Cretaceous, Eocene, Paleocene, Miocene, and Pliocene (Smirnov 1983; Mineral
Facts and Problems 1985; Shaffer 1975).
The Bauxite deposits and indications of Iran have been classified according to
their lithostratigraphic and chronostratigraphic characteristics with the largest tem-
poral occurrence within Permian (47.61%). The contribution of other geological
epochs is as follows: Triassic–Jurassic 21.8%, Permo-Triassic 19.04%, Triassic
9.52%, and Cretaceous 4.76% (Table 5.9) (Soheili 2004; Ghorbani 2010b).
Permian and Permo-Triassic: The most important bauxite deposits of Iran as well
as other aluminum-rich deposits such as kaolinitic clays belong to this interval of
time (Ghorbani 2002b, 2010b; Soheili 2004). The Permian and Permo-Triassic
bauxite-bearing horizon is known from various regions of Iran due to the presence
of a stratigraphic hiatus in the form of layers overlying the Rooteh Formation and
overlain by the Elika Formation. Some of these areas are Jajarm, Boukan, Mahabad,
Miandoab, Abgarm, Ghazvin, Firooz Kuh, and Ardakan. In these areas, the bauxite
horizon occurs between the Late Permian rocks and Early Jurassic (Shemshak)
sediments.
Triassic–Jurassic: These occur above the Elika and Shemshak Formations in and
around Gano, Shahmirzad, etc. A few horizons of aluminum-rich fireclays and
occasional boehmite and diaspora are found scattered as intercalations in the Jurassic
rocks, for example, Sangrood\(Alborz) and Dopolan (Zagros).
Cretaceous: The Cretaceous of Iran is very important from the viewpoint of bauxite
exploration. The Cretaceous deposits are only reported from Zagros, where the
5.6 Aluminum 125
Table 5.9 Temporal distribution of bauxite deposits and indications of Iran

Geologic period Mineral deposit or indication
Permian Aghajari, Gol Charmoo – Sari Qamish, Southeast Hossein Abad,
Kaleijeh, Sarchaveh, Jajarm A Zone, Abgarm 1st and 2nd Horizons,
Cha Azloo, Aliabad, Karaftoo, Naveh Qoran, Gaveshleh, Soleiman
Kandi, North Yazd, Chekchek
Permo-Triassic Ali Balta 1st Horizon, Chapoo, Qopi Baba Ali,Norooz Abad, Kavir
Kuh, Abadeh, Kiasar, Robat Khan, Darvar, Ayenehvarzan, Sangrud,
Dovilan, Dorak, Kuh Dena, Bazargan, Darsinoeid, Khampesian,
Doolab, Gheshlagh
Triassic Sadr Abad, Godar Zard, Nasr Abad, Sorkheh Hesar, Bolbolouyeh,
Tabas
Triassic–Jurassic Shahmirzad, Kal Jafar Agha, Abgarm 3rd Horizon, Siah Rudbar,
Alamoot, Jajarm B Zone, Ganoo, Ali Balta 2nd Horizon, Shah
Bolaghi
Cretaceous Sarfaryab, Sardaryoosh, Semirom Ab Malakh
Ghorbani (2010b)
bauxite horizon is sandwiched between the Sarvak and Eilam Formations of

Bangestan Group, extending at times even up to the Gurpi Formation (Ghorbani
2002a, b, c; Soheili 2004). It should be, however, kept in mind that this layer is the
same as the famous refractory clay horizon. Examples of Cretaceous bauxite depos-
its include Sarfaryab, Sardariush, Semirom, and Ab Malakh.
5.6.3 Distribution of Bauxite Deposits
Following the first report of bauxite in 1958 from Bolbolouye in Kerman Province
(Soheili 2004), geological surveys and exploration work led to the discovery of
many karstic bauxite deposits. Apart from Jajarm, all the bauxite deposits of Iran
are of diaspor/bohemite composition, whose origin is Mediterranean karstic bauxite
with a lensoid carbonaceous footwall block (Soheili 2004). The intensity of
karstification of the footwall block is medium to weak. Geographically, the bauxite
deposits of Iran are found in the northeastern, northern, northwestern, central, and
southwestern parts of the country. They are situated in eastern (Binaloud), central
and western Alborz, Central Iran, and Zagros tectono-sedimentary divisions of the
country varying in age from Permian to Late Cretaceous.
The bauxite deposits of Iran are not very extensive and, considering the conditions
of their formation and the geological settings of Iran, it is not expected to discover
any large (on the global scale) such deposits. Nevertheless, a number of economi-
cally important bauxite deposits have been reported from Jajarm (Shahrood), Boukan,
Saghez, Firooz Kuh, and Abgarm (Ghazvin). As can be seen in Fig. 5.6 (Soheili
2004), the major part of the bauxites of Iran is found in East and West Azerbaijan,
Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, Khorasan, Semnan, Fars, Ghazvin, Kerman, Kohkilouye
and Boir Ahmad, Kordestan, Mazandaran, Golestan, and Yazd.
Fig. 5.6 Distribution map of bauxite deposits and indications of Iran (Soheili 2004)
In general, the bauxite deposits of Iran can be classified into the following
categories based on their location:
– Kopet Dagh and eastern Alborz (including Jajarm deposit)
– Central Alborz
– Western Alborz and Azerbaijan including Alamout, Takab, Boukan, and Ajabshir
– Khuzestan plain
– Folded Zagros
– High Zagros
– Yazd
As mentioned earlier, in addition to bauxite, a number of other aluminum-rich
minerals such as alunite and nepheline also exist in nature, which are excavated
extensively in Russia for aluminum extraction. Fortunately, the alunite deposits of
Tarom, Ghazvin, and Manjil, as well as the nepheline deposits of Bozghoush,
Razgah (north of Mianeh), and Kalibar (Ahar area), are considerable in amount
5.6 Aluminum 127
containing tens of millions of tons of such ores (Ghorbani 2002b, 2010b). If alumi-
num is extracted from such deposits, Iran will not only attain self-sufficiency but
will become an exporter of alumina and aluminum products.
The geological settings of a number of bauxite deposits of Iran are described in
the following paragraphs (Soheili 2004).
Siyah–Roudbar, Gorgan:
Footwall rocks: Triassic dolomites (Elika Formation)
Hanging wall rocks: Jurassic sandstones and shales (Shemshak Formation)
Shah Bolaghi, Damavand:
Footwall rocks: Triassic dolomites (Elika Formation)
Hanging wall rocks: Jurassic sandstones and shales (Shemshak Formation)
Abgarm, Ghazvin:
Two horizons of bauxite mineralization exist:
– Between Early Permian limestones (Rooteh Formation) and Late Permian
rocks
Between Triassic limestones (Elika Formation) and Jurassic sandstones and
shales (Shemshak Formation)
Sarchaveh, Boukan:
Two horizons of bauxite mineralization exist, the upper one being richer:
– Within Permian limestones (Rooteh Formation) in lower section
– Overlying Permian limestones
Sadr Abad, Yazd:
Footwall rocks: Middle Triassic dolomites (Shotori Formation)
Hanging wall rocks: Late Triassic–Early Jurassic detrital rocks (Nayband and
Shemshak Formations)
Northern Yazd:
Footwall rocks: Permian limestone and dolomites
Hanging wall rocks: Early Jurassic sandstones and shales (equivalent to Shemshak
Formation)
Chekchek, Yazd:
Footwall rocks: Permian dolomites
Hanging wall rocks: Jurassic sandstones and shales
Sarfaryab, Dehdasht:
Footwall rocks: Cretaceous limestones and marly limestones (Sarvak Formation)
Hanging wall rocks: Late Cretaceous limestones and marly limestones (Eilam
Formation)
Table 5.10 lists the various specifications of the known bauxite deposits of Iran
while Fig. 5.6 depicts the geographical distributions of these deposits.
128
Table 5.10 Mineralogical composition of representative samples of bauxite deposits of Iran

No. Name of deposit Primary mineral Chemical formula Accessory mineral Chemical formula Associated minerals
1 Ali Balta Kaolinite Al2Si2O5(OH)4 Quartz SiO2 –
Anatase TiO2
2 Aghajari Kaolinite Al2Si2O5(OH)4 Bohemite AlO(OH) –
Anatase TiO2
Hematite Fe2O3
3 Chapoo Diaspor AlO(OH) Pyrophyllite Al2Si4O5(OH)2 –
Chlorite (Mg,Fe)6(Si,Al)4O10(OH)8
4 Gol Charmoo–Sari Hematite Fe2O3
Qamish Diaspor AlO(OH) Chlorite (Mg,Fe)6(Si,Al)4O10(OH)8 Quartz
Anatase TiO2 Goetite FeO(OH) SiO2
Kaolinite Al2Si2O5(OH)4
5 Hossein Hematite Fe2O3 Muscovite
Abad–Mahabad Diaspor AlO(OH) Chlorite (Mg,Fe)6(Si,Al)4O10(OH)8 Al2Si3AlO10(OH)2
5
Kaolinite Al2Si2O5(OH)4 Pyrophyllite Al2Si4O5(OH)2 Quartz

Anatase TiO2 SiO2
6 Kaleijeh Mahabad Hematite
Fe2O3
Kaolinite Al2Si2O5(OH)4 Halite NaCl Quartz
Diaspor AlO(OH) Anatase TiO2 SiO2
Pyrophyllite Al2Si4O5(OH)2
6–1 Kaleijeh Mahabad Hematite Fe2O3 Anatase TiO2 –
Diaspor AlO(OH) Kaolinite Al2Si2O5(OH)4
Pyrophyllite Al2Si4O5(OH)2
7 Shah Bolaghi Goetite FeO(OH) – – Calcite
Kaolinite Al2Si2O5(OH)4 CaCO3
Anatase TiO2
8 Veresk Bridge–Firooz Bohemite AlO(OH) Kaolinite Al2Si2O5(OH)4 –
Kuh Hematite Fe2O3
9 Dopolan Diaspor AlO(OH) Anatase TiO2 –
Kaolinite Al2Si2O5(OH)4 Bohemite AlO(OH)
10 Jafar Agha Diaspor AlO(OH) Anatase TiO2 –
Hematite Fe2O3
Kaolinite
5.6 Aluminum
Al2Si2O5(OH)4
11 Jafar Agha Hematite Fe2O3 Diaspor AlO(OH) Calcite
Kaolinite Al2Si2O5(OH)4 Anatase TiO2 CaCO3
12 Permo-Triassic Diaspor AlO(OH)
Horizon Kaolinite Al2Si2O5(OH)4 Chlorite (Mg,Fe)6(Si,Al)4O10(OH)8 Quartz
Hematite Fe2O3 Calcite CaCO3 SiO2
Anatase TiO2
13 Shemshak Permo- Calcite
Triassic Horizon Diaspor AlO(OH) Anatase TiO2 CaCO3
Hematite Fe2O3 Kaolinite Al2Si2O5(OH)4 Quartz
SiO2
14 Southwest Jajarm Dolomite CaMg(CO3)2 Hematite Fe2O3 Calcite
Goetite FeO(OH) CaCO3
15 Lateritic Horizon Quartz SiO2 Calcite CaCO3 Goetite
between Hematite Fe2O3 FeO(OH)
Carboniferous and Kaolinite Al2Si2O5(OH)4
Triassic–Rey Abad
16 Zoo District Diaspor AlO(OH) Hematite Fe2O3 –
Anatase TiO2
Goetite FeO(OH)
17 Tagooie District Diaspor AlO(OH) Anatase TiO2 –
18 Gol Bini District Diaspor AlO(OH) Anatase TiO2 –
Hematite Fe2O3 Chlorite (Mg,Fe)6(Si,Al)4O10(OH)8
Kaolinite Al2Si2O5(OH)4 Calcite CaCO3
129
(continued)
130
Table 5.10 (continued)

19 Red Mud Factory Anatase TiO2
Hematite Fe2O3 Chlorite (Mg,Fe)6(Si,Al)4O10(OH)8
–
Gibsite AlO(OH) Bohemite AlO(OH)
Nierrite Na2Ca(CO3)2
20 Shahmirzad Kaolinite Al2Si2O5(OH)4 Hematite Fe2O3 –
Goetite FeO(OH)
21 Bolbolouyeh Diaspor AlO(OH)
Hematite Fe2O3 Kaolinite Al2Si2O5(OH)4 –
Muscovite KAl2Si3AlO10(OH)12 Anatase TiO2
Quartz SiO2
22 Sarfaryab Bohemite AlO(OH) Calcite CaCO3 –
Anatase TiO2
5
Hematite Fe2O3
22–1 Sarfaryab Bohemite AlO(OH) Diaspor AlO(OH) –
Anatase
TiO2
Hematite Fe2O3 Kaolinite Al2Si2O5(OH)4
23 Chagharloo Chlorite (Mg,Fe)6(Si,Al)4O10(OH)8 Bohemite AlO(OH) –
Ilite (K, H3O)Al2Si3AlO10(OH)2
Hydrated iron FeO(OH)x
Oxide
24 Aliabad – Karaftoo Quartz SiO2 Hematite Fe2O3 Natrolite
NaAl3(SO4)2(OH)6
25 Tave Qoran Quartz SiO2 Goetite FeO(OH) Titan
Kaolinite Al2Si2O5(OH)4 TiO2
Calcite CaCO3 Muscovite
KAl2Si3AlO10(OH)12
26 Gaveshleh Calcite CaCO3 – – Muscovite
Quartz SiO2 KAl2Si3AlO10(OH)12
Goetite
FeO(OH)
27 Soleyman Kandi Hematite Fe2O3 Chlorite (Mg,Fe)6(Si,Al)4O10(OH)8 Muscovite
5.6 Aluminum
Quartz SiO2 KAl2Si3AlO10(OH)12

Diaspor AlO(OH)
Barite BaSO4
28 Gheshlagh Kaolinite Al2Si2O5(OH)4 Bohemite AlO(OH) –
Anatase TiO2
Rutile TiO2
28–1 Gheshlagh Bohemite AlO(OH) Anatase TiO2 –
28–2 Gheshlagh Bohemite AlO(OH) Anatase TiO2 –
Kaolinite Al2Si2O5(OH)4 Rutile TiO2
29 Sadr Abad – Yazd Diaspor AlO(OH) – – –
Chlorite (Mg,Fe)6(Si,Al)4O10(OH)8
Hematite Fe2O3
131
5.7 Gold
5.7.1 Introduction
Generally, the formation of gold deposits is not restricted to a particular geological

period, but their richness varies largely in different intervals of time. Foster (1993)
states that there were two major episodes of gold mineralization in the history of the
Earth, namely, Late Archaean–Early Proterozoic (consisting of mesothermal
quartz-vein deposits of Late Archaean and Late Archaean–Early Proterozoic
conglomerates) and Mesozoic–Quaternary (epithermal and mesothermal deposits
associated with the porphyries of the same age). Since there are no Archaean–
Proterozoic terrains in Iran, presence of any gold deposits of this category is ruled out.
Nevertheless, the gold deposits of Iran have been formed throughout Late
Proterozoic to Quaternary times by different paragenesis such as magmatogenic,
volcanogenic, hydrothermal, metamorphic, ophiolitic, mélange-listvenite, and
placer-type. (Ghorbani 2008a). Overall, the gold deposits of Iran can be genetically
categorized into the following.
Gold Associated with Ophiolitic and Greenschist Basement of Late Proterozoic–
Early Cambrian: Large parts of the Late Proterozoic–Early Cambrian rocks that
appear to be of greenschist type were of igneous origin (e.g., basalt, ultramafics,
tuffs) before being metamorphosed. These rocks are stratigraphically equivalent to
the Kahar Formation, but some of them might be correlated with the Chopoghloo
Shales or Baroot Formation.
It is interesting to note that the Late Proterozoic–Early Cambrian greenschists of
basic igneous origin (especially ultrabasic igneous) have high gold content. As will
be described in the following paragraphs, these rocks form the main source of the
gold in Iran, and, thus, their origin should be investigated in detail, especially when
the rocks have been affected by tectonic–magmatic phenomena. The reasons for the
high content of gold in the Late Proterozoic–Early Cambrian basement are (Ghorbani
2008a)
1. The Clarke of concentration of gold in mafic–ultramafic rocks is higher than that
of intermediate and acidic rocks. Thus, the greenschists of this type of origin are
more attractive from the point of view of gold mineralization.
2. The older the rocks of mantle origin, the richer their gold content because gold has been
separated due to the magmatic differentiation of mantle and accumulated in crust.
In general, the gold reserves associated with the basement rocks can be differentiated
into two types:
1. Ores whose hosts are Late Proterozoic–Early Cambrian basement rocks;
accumulation of gold occurred due to younger geological phenomena and circu-
lation of hydrothermal solutions and is controlled by the position of fractures and
joints and/or metasomatic zones (Ghorbani 2008a). Examples include the gold
deposits of Mooteh (Esfahan) and Kavand (Zanjan).
5.7 Gold 133
2. Ores and indication of gold whose principal source lies within ophiolitic and
greenschist basement but their mineralization and concentration has taken
place within younger rocks through igneous (especially volcanic activities of
Tertiary–Quaternary) processes and their associated hydrothermal solutions
(Ghorbani 2008a). In other words, the source of the gold lied within mafic–
ultramafic rocks metamorphosed to greenschist facies, but gold mineralization is a
result of recycling from basement to younger rocks. Examples include the gold
deposits of the Takab area (Zarshouran, Agh Dareh, Arabshah) and Anarak area
(Khooni, Booteh Alam, Kooh Dom, Chah Mesi).
The mineralization of gold associated with the ophiolitic and greenschist basement
of Late Proterozoic–Early Cambrian has been attributed to (Ghorbani 2008h)
1. Penetration and circulation of igneous material within the basement
2. Faulting and jointing of basement and younger rocks
3. Production and circulation of hydrothermal solutions of magmatic or atmo-
spheric origin
4. Metasomatism associated with mineralization and deposition of gold
Gold Associated with Late Paleozoic–Mesozoic and Mesozoic–Cenozoic Thonaleitic
to Granitic Intrusive Rocks: These reserves can be grouped as follows (Ghorbani
2008h):
1. Deposits whose ore minerals are within the groundmass of granites and the entire
rock body or part of it has been considered as gold deposit (e.g., Torghabeh
Granite in Khorasan)
2. Place deposits whose gold is resulted from the erosion of the above-mentioned
granite masses (e.g., Astaneh Gold Deposit in Arak)
3. A combination of the above-mentioned types (Zarin Granite of Ardakan in
Yazd)
It is worth mentioning that most of the Late Paleozoic–Cenozoic granite bodies are
devoid of gold.
The geological investigations of the author show that only those bodies of granites
that have passed through mafic rocks or their metamorphic equivalents, especially
Late Proterozoic–Early Cambrian greenschist basement, host gold mineralization;
Golpayegan–Arak granites, Sanandaj–Sirjan Zone and Zarin Granite of Central Iran
can be given as examples. The granites of the Arak area have passed through the
same schists that are exposed within the Mooteh area, and as mentioned earlier, the
Clarke of concentration of gold within these rocks is higher than normal. In the
Zarin area, there are schists that are genetically related with Zarin Granite that
intrudes them. The high gold concentration at the contact of schists and granite
indicates the association of the gold with schists.
Young Epithermal Gold Associated with Arsenic and Mercury Deposits and
Indications (Carlin Type): Such deposits, which have recently attracted attention of the
researchers from all over the world (e.g., Zarshooran and Agh Dareh in the Takab
area; refer to Fig. 6.6), are comparatively poorer in their gold content with 2–3 ppm
concentration. Mineralization in most of these deposits is a result of the activity

of hydrothermal solutions of 60–250°C temperature that are directly or indirectly
associated with magmatism (Ghorbani 2008h). In fact, none of these widely
distributed deposits have been originally described as gold concentrations. They
are mostly deposits of antimony, arsenic, mercury, etc., and in case they are
systematically explored, can yield economically important gold reserves. The gen-
eral geological and metallogenic characteristics of these deposits are as follows
(Ghorbani 2008a):
1. The areas within which deposits and indications of antimony, arsenic, and
mercury are found have continental basement with younger volcanics (basaltic
to intermediate-acidic) extrusions. The basaltic and andesitic volcanic rocks are
comparatively older and more extensive than the acidic extrusions. In spite of
this, the acidic rocks form the cover and contain most of the mineralized zones.
2. Most of the deposits and indications of antimony, arsenic, and mercury are asso-
ciated with and controlled by deep faults.
3. Geological and mineralogical evidence within deposits and indications of antimony,
arsenic, and mercury of Iran point to the formation of the ore in association with
low-temperature (epithermal) hydrothermal solutions originating from acidic
volcanics of lower crust (Ghorbani 2008h).
Gold Associated with Ophiolitic Suites and Listvenites: Ophiolitic melanges which
are suites of tectonized and crushed ultramafic rocks such as harzburgite, dunite,
serpentinite, diabase, pillow lava, gabbro, diorite, and radiolarite in addition to
listvenites (rocks metasomatized due to the circulation of CO2-rich solutions).
Among the above-mentioned rocks, listvenites that have extensive exposures in
Eastern Iran are now considered as sources of gold. Preliminary analysis of these
rocks (Ghorbani 2008h) indicates the presence of gold at economical grades.
Examples of this type of deposits include
1. Makoo gold-bearing mineral indication within ophiolitic melanges, which can
be categorized as serpentinized type
2. Chah Charnofoozi (Kalateh Dagh, Nehbandan) gold indication whose gold is
genetically related with ophiolitic melanges and listvenites limestones
Gold Associated with Copper Mineral Deposits and Indications: Most of the copper
deposits of Iran have considerable gold content that occurs in the form of minor
constituents along with various ores of copper (Ghorbani 2008a). The gold in such
deposits cannot be economically extracted separately, but during the extraction of
copper, it is produced as a by-product.
The gold-bearing copper deposits of Iran can be categorized as follows
(Ghorbani 2008h):
1. Porphyry-type gold-bearing copper deposits of the Kerman area, for example,
Sarcheshmeh, Meydook, Darehzar, and Chahargonbad.
2. Vein-type gold-bearing copper deposits that are very extensive with a high gold
content of about 4 ppm, for example, the Qaleh Zari copper deposit. These are
5.7 Gold 135
further subdivided areally on the basis of their mineralogical and geological

characteristics:
(a) Gold-bearing copper deposits of the Ahar area, including Mazra’e, Barmalek,
Agha Mirza, Gol Dargh, Astamal, Qareh Chamanloo, and Zarnekab
(b) Gold-bearing copper deposits of Tarom-Taleghan, including Dizeh Jin,
Chargar, Khalifeloo, and Rashid Abad
(c) Gold-bearing copper deposits of Eastern Iran, including Qale Zari and Chehel
Kooreh
(d) Gold-bearing copper deposits of Kavir–Sabzevar, including Kuh Zar
(Damghan) and Anarestan
(e) Gold-bearing copper deposits of Urumiyeh–Dokhtar, including Bayche
Bagh and Avroos Morghi
5.7.2 Geological Distribution of Gold Reserves
The gold deposits and indication of Iran have been formed along with the formation
of the crustal rocks of Iran during the Late Proterozoic–Phanerozoic times due to the
tectonic and igneous activities, especially the Pyrenean (Eocene–Oligocene) and Post
Pyrenean (Miocene–Pliocene), which also gave rise to most diverse mineral deposits
of Iran (Ghorbani 2002b; Maghsoudi et al. 2005). Since all the major controlling
factors of gold mineralization in the said period of time are faults, shear zones, and
brecciation zones (except the Quaternary placer deposits), the mineralization of gold
is of epigenetic type formed due to younger phases of deformation whose exact age is
not yet known. Thus, the intervals of gold mineralization have to be ascertained
through the estimation of the ages of the host rocks and are as follows.
Late Proterozoic–Early Cambrian: Gold deposits of this age have been reported
from Takab, Anarak, and parts of the Sanandaj–Sirjan Zone. The host rocks for
the gold mineralization include schists and intercalations of limestone, shale, dolo-
mite, marble, and schists (Ghorbani 2002a; Maghsoudi et al. 2005). Gold mineraliza-
tion in the Anarak area is dominantly within the metamorphic rocks consisting of
schists, marbles, or contact of the two. The main structures controlling the miner-
alization of gold have been faults that caused the formation of polymetal deposits in
the form of veins and veinlets (Ghorbani 2002a; Maghsoudi et al. 2005). At some loca-
tions, younger (Mesozoic and Cenozoic) intrusive masses are seen near the host
units that point to the possible formation of the deposits due to the activity of hydro-
thermal solutions associated with them (e.g., Kuh-e Dom in the Anarak area, Fig.
6.4). Thus, considering the age of these masses and the tectonic processes that
resulted in mineralization, the age of deposits should be much younger than their
hosts. Moreover, the high-background gold content of the basement rocks hosting
the deposits is also responsible for the increase in the gold content of the deposits.
The most important gold deposit within the rocks of this time interval includes the
Zarshouran deposit. Others include Khooni, God, God Morad, Anarak, Chah Mileh, Gora,
Tavazoi and Torkamani (in Anarak area), and Gorgab III and IV (northeast of Kashan).
There are no doubts that mineralization of some of these deposits has taken place
in more recent periods, but the hosts are all of Late Proterozoic–Early Cambrian
age. It seems that the Late Proterozoic–Early Cambrian rock has a generally
high-background gold content in some areas such as Anarak (Ghorbani 2002a;
Maghsoudi et al. 2005).
Late Paleozoic–Early Triassic: Some of the gold-bearing rocks previously assigned
to the Precambrian times were found to be of younger age (Late Paleozoic–Early
Triassic) based on more recent studies (Ghorbani 2002a; Maghsoudi et al. 2005).
These include the rocks of the Taknar Series that host a number of massive sulfide
and hydrothermal (vein-type) gold and copper deposits and indications. Other
examples of the deposits belonging to this interval of time are the gold-bearing
polymetallic lead–zinc–copper deposit of Chah Gaz (Sirjan area), the Mooteh gold
deposit near Delijan, and the Zartosht deposit of Kerman.
Triassic–Jurassic: Gold mineralization of this time interval has generally occurred
in sandstones, shales, and limestones of Triassic and Jurassic (Shemshak Formation)
which are lowly metamorphosed or highly deformed; in addition, in some intrusive
masses of granitic and dioritic composition, deposition of gold has taken place near
the contacts of the igneous body (Ghorbani 2002b; Maghsoudi et al. 2005).
Mineralization of gold in these units is usually in the form of veins and veinlets
within faulted, jointed, and fractured zones along with tungsten and copper and in a
limited localities is associated with silver, arsenic, lead–zinc, bismuth, and antimony
(Ghorbani 2002b; Maghsoudi et al. 2005).
Torghabeh, Tarik Dareh, Booteh Alam, Chah Palang, Chah Kalap, and Shend
Mahmood are the most prominent examples of the deposits and indications of this
time interval. It is, however, possible that some of the deposits of this interval are
younger in age (Ghorbani 2002b; Maghsoudi et al. 2005), for example, Shend
Mahmood is thought to be as young as Neogene.
Some of the gold-bearing rocks that were earlier assigned to Cambrian are found to
be younger, and the geological evidence supports a (Late) Paleozoic to Early Triassic
age for them (Ghorbani 2002b; Maghsoudi et al. 2005). Among these rocks are
1. Taknar Series, which contains a number of deposits and indications of gold along
with massive sulfide and vein hydrothermal copper
2. Rocks of Chah Gaz area, which is a polymetal Pb–Zn–Cu deposit with consider-
able amount of gold
3. Deposits and indications of Mooteh gold deposit near Delijan
4. Zartosht deposits, Kerman
Late Cretaceous–Paleogene: The deposition of gold within the Cretaceous rocks is
in the form of silicic and aplitic veins within the skarns at the contact of intrusive
igneous rocks (granitic and dioritic in composition) with Cretaceous limestones
(Ghorbani 2002a; Maghsoudi et al. 2005). These deposits are seen in Astaneh
(Arak), Arasbaran, northeast of Kashan, and Yazd. In the Arasbaran area, copper
mineralization is dominant and is sometimes associated with gold and silver
(Ghorbani 2002a; Maghsoudi et al. 2005); examples include Mazra’e, Mardanel,
5.7 Gold 137
Agha Mira, and Abbasabad copper deposits. The only exception is Nabi Jan indication,
where gold is associated with lead–zinc and iron skarns. The area to the northeast of
Kashan hosts skarn mineralization of iron and iron–manganese type that includes
gold, copper, and silver as accessories (Ghorbani 2002a; Maghsoudi et al. 2005);
Gorgab I and II are examples. In Yazd, gold mineralization has occurred along with
copper skarns in the Dareh Zereshk area (Ghorbani 2002a; Maghsoudi et al. 2005).
Associated with Laramide igneous-tectonic upheaval, gold mineralization within
the short interval of Late Cretaceous–Paleogene has taken place in the form of
listvenite-type mineral indications along with the ophiolites (Ghorbani 2002a;
Maghsoudi et al. 2005). This type of mineralization occurs within Makoo–Oshnavieh
and East Iran ophiolitic belts and includes Soladokal, Todan, Khangol, and Chaldoran
(all in Makoo–Oshnavieh Belt) along with Hangaran, and Sahl Abad (East Iran
Belt) indications are among those associated with the ophiolites of this time interval.
In addition, gold mineralization in Saghez–Naghadeh region occurs in sheared
metavolcanic rocks of Late Cretaceous (Ghorbani 2002a; Maghsoudi et al. 2005),
for example, Karooyan and Barika gold deposits.
Tertiary: This interval can be said to be the most active magmatic phase in the geo-
logical history of Iran whose effects are seen throughout the country, except Kopet
Dagh, so that the term “metallogenic era” is assigned to the Pyrenean tectonic event
(Eocene–Oligocene) (Ghorbani 2002a; Maghsoudi et al. 2005). The most extensive
and most diverse mineral deposits (including gold) have been formed in Iran during
Tertiary.
Gold mineralization in the Tertiary times is generally within the extrusive igne-
ous, pyroclastic, and sedimentary rocks or calc-alkaline intrusive igneous rocks
(sub-volcanics) and their associated andesites and dacites of Eocene–Oligocene age
and younger (especially Miocene–Pliocene). The solutions expelled from the igne-
ous intrusives invading the Eocene and Neogene rocks bring about extensive silicic
and argillic metasomatism, which result in the deposition of gold and other elements
within faults and other fractures (Ghorbani 2002b; Maghsoudi et al. 2005).
The most important deposits and indications of gold attributed to this interval
time include all the gold-bearing localities of Kerman, Tarom–Hashtjin, Moaleman–
Torbat-e Heydariyeh (except Taknar), Central Alborz, Qorveh, and Mianeh along
with most of the deposits and indications of Saveh–Kashan–Naein Belt, Takab,
Arasbaran, and Lut.
Quaternary: The most important gold deposits of the Quaternary age include placer
deposits of Kuh Zar (Damghan), Zar Mehr (Torbat-e Heydariyeh), and Angooran
Chah (Mah Neshan).
5.7.3 Geographic Distribution of Gold Deposits
The gold deposits of Iran can be classified according to their structural–metallogenic

zones and type of mineralization process as follows (Fig. 5.7) (Ghorbani 2002a,
2008a; Maghsoudi et al. 2005).
Fig. 5.7 The gold-bearing provinces and areas of Iran (Maghsoudi et al. 2005)
Sanandaj–Sirjan Gold-Bearing Province: Measuring about 1,500 km in length

and 150–200 km in breadth, this province extends from the Urumiyeh Lake on the
northwest to Minab fault on the southeast and includes many important gold deposits
and indications that are related with shear zones. The genesis of gold which occurs
in the form of veins, veinlets, and occasionally placers is attributed to magmatic
and metamorphic processes (Ghorbani 2002a, 2008h; Maghsoudi et al. 2005).
Based on the distribution of gold deposits and indications, the zone can be divided
into northern (Golpayegan–Naghadeh–Makoo) and southern (Golpayegan–Sirjan)
parts, with the northern part being richer in terms of gold. The northern part
hosts Mooteh, Dashkesan, Karooyan, Barika, and Astaneh deposits along with
Makoo–Oshnavieh, Alvand (Hamedan), Kondar (Aligudarz), Bakhtar Jaldian, and
Kharabe (Piranshahr) indications. The southern part includes Zartosht and Chah
Gaz deposits.
The most important known deposit of Sanandaj–Sirjan Province occurs at
Dashkesan in the Qorveh area, which is related with the Quaternary volcanism.
5.7 Gold 139
Takab Gold-Bearing Zone: The most effective and diverse type of gold mineralization
has occurred in the Takab area, resulting in the formation of Carlin-, vein-,
polymetallic vein-, and placer-type deposits within the area (Ghorbani 2002a,
2008h; Maghsoudi et al. 2005). Except the placers, the mineralization of gold in the
Takab area is generally related with hydrothermal solutions associated with the
deep-seated and intermediate igneous bodies of Tertiary times (Ghorbani 2002a,
2008h; Maghsoudi et al. 2005). The most promising rocks of the area from the point
of view of gold mineralization are young acidic domes intruded within the schists
of the Precambrian age. The important gold deposits and indications of Takab
include Zarshouran, Agh Dareh, Ay Qal’e Si, Toozlar, Bayche Bagh, Arabshah,
and Angooran Chai Placer.
Arasbaran Gold-Bearing Zone: This area, which includes the highlands of
Arasbaran and Qareh Dagh, is one of the most important and well-known metallogenic
regions of Iran and hosts extensive copper–molybdenum mineralization containing
gold. Gold occurs in three forms, namely, along with porphyry copper–molybdenum,
vein-type, and skarn-type, the first two associated with the Tertiary intrusive and
extrusive igneous rocks and the last one along the contact of the Tertiary intrusives and
Cretaceous limestones (Ghorbani 2002a, 2008h; Maghsoudi et al. 2005). The gold
deposits and indications of the area include Songoon, Masjed Daghi, Aharaf Abad-
Hizeh Jan, Safi Khanloo-Naghdooz, Nabi Jan, Mazra’e, and Kharvanah.
Gold mineralization with small amount of copper, or without it, is related with
vein-type silicic metasomatism confined to ancient calderas, for example, Masjed
Daghi, Safi Khanloo-Naghdooz, and Sharaf Abad.
Tarom–Hashtjin Gold-Bearing Belt: Extending from the north to the southeast of
Zanjan and covering parts of western Alborz structural zone, the Tarom–Hashtjin
Belt contains gold mineralization along with lead, zinc, copper, and occasionally
silver deposits in the form of veins and veinlets in Tertiary hosts (especially Eocene
volcanics). Haj Aliloo (2000) has reported porphyry gold mineralization in Hashtjin
area. No independent mineralization of gold has been reported from the area till
date, but most of the copper and lead–zinc deposits of the area contain considerable
amounts of gold. In other words, gold occurs as a by-product of copper and lead–zinc
mineralization (Ghorbani 2002a, 2008h; Maghsoudi et al. 2005). Gold placer
indication of Kalooch-Gilvan on the banks of Qezel Ozan River is also reported
from the area. Other gold indications include Khalifeloo, Zeh Abad, Koohiyan,
Dizeh Jin, Chal, Aliabad-e Moosavi, Lak, Somagh, Bashgol, Ab Torsh, Gav Kamar,
Senjedeh, Zajkan, Marshoon, and Lehne.
Mianeh Gold-Bearing Zone: Trending in the east–west direction, the Mianeh
Zone extends the area between Mianeh and Bostanabad covering the highlands of
Bozgoosh. This zone is one of the promising areas of the country which has not
yet been explored in detail. The indications of gold in the zone are located at
Armoodagh and Aghoran (Ghorbani 2002a, 2008h; Maghsoudi et al. 2005).
Moaleman–Torbat-e Heydariyeh Gold-Bearing Belt: This highly promising belt is

in the form of a stripe trending almost east–west and is situated on the northern
margins of central desert of Iran. The Moaleman–Torbat-e Heydariyeh Belt has
good potential for gold, copper, lead–zinc, silver, antimony, etc. (Ghorbani 2002a,
2008h; Maghsoudi et al. 2005). Gold mineralization occurs within the Precambrian–
Paleozoic (polymetallic massive oxide and sulfide), Tertiary (in the form of veins of
base metals and specularite-rich copper), and Quaternary rocks (in the form of
placers). Examples include Arghash, Gandi, Kuh Zar (Torbat-e Heydariyeh), Kuh
Zar (Damghan), Qal’e Joogh, Zar Mehr, Darestan, Kalateh Teymoor, Chah Moosa,
Kakiyeh, Bid-e Mohammad Hassan, and Taknar.
Mashhad Gold-Bearing Zone: This zone extends from Torghabeh on the west of
Mashhad to Janat Abad on the border with Afghanistan and Turkmenistan and
contains Tarik Dareh and Torghabeh deposits (Ghorbani 2002a, 2008h; Maghsoudi
et al. 2005).
Kerman Gold-Bearing Belt: The Kerman gold belt occurs in the southern parts of
Urumiyeh–Dokhtar Metallogenic Province and includes 19 gold deposits and
indication that are either associated with porphyry-type or vein-type copper–
molybdenum deposits within the Tertiary intrusive rock (Ghorbani 2002a, 2008h;
Maghsoudi et al. 2005). The porphyry deposits of Sarcheshmeh and Dareh Hamze
(Jiroft) and vein deposits of Bazman, Abdar, Chah Mesi, Oroos Morghi, Chahar
Gonbad, Baghdeh, and Dolat Abad fall within this belt.
All vein-type deposits, except Bazman, where silver is the major paragenesis for
gold and copper and lead–zinc, are minor, and copper forms the most important
paragenesis (Ghorbani 2002a, 2008h; Maghsoudi et al. 2005).
Saveh–Kashan–Naein Gold-Bearing Belt: Trending in the northwest–southeast
direction within the Urumiyeh–Dokhtar volcanic zone, the Saveh–Kashan–Naein
Belt is known to host skarn- and vein-type gold mineralization. Skarn mineraliza-
tion occurs at the contact of Cretaceous limestones with Tertiary granodioritic
masses, whereas vein and veinlet mineralization are in the Eocene volcanics
(Ghorbani 2002a, 2008h; Maghsoudi et al. 2005). Examples include Gorgab I and
II (both skarn-type), Qal’e Sardar, Maranjab, Ghasem Abad, Serajiyeh, Cheshme
Talhe, and Kuh Dom (all of which are vein-type).
Yazd Block: Being situated on the western parts of Central Iran micro-continent, the
block is bounded by the Dorooneh Fault on the north and the Naein-Baft Ophiolitic
Belt on the west. Gold mineralization in this block has occurred in Anarak
Metamorphic Complex (mostly in polymetallic form) along with porphyry copper,
skarns and listvenite-type (Ghorbani 2002a, 2008h; Maghsoudi et al. 2005). The
gold deposits and indications of Yazd Block include Khooni, East Khooni, God
Morad, Gorva, Anarak, Chah Mileh, Torkamani, Tal Siyah, Ashin, Booteh Alam,
Southern Chah Palang, Nadooshan, and Dareh Zereshk.
Lut Block: Measuring about 900 km in length, the Lut Block is bounded between
the Nehbandan Fault (on the east) and the Nayband Fault (on the west). Gold
5.8 Antimony, Arsenic, and Mercury 141
mineralization in the block is associated with that of copper, silver, lead–zinc, antimony,
and tungsten and occurs in the Upper Triassic–Jurassic volcanic-sedimentary
rock successions and Tertiary volcanics (Ghorbani 2002a, 2008h; Maghsoudi et al.
2005). Qal’e Zari, Hirood, Chah Kalap, Shourab, Chah Zaghoo, and Khoonic
comprise the gold deposits and indications of the block.
East Iran Gold-Bearing Zone: The gold-bearing region of East Iran measures
800 km in length and 200 km in breadth and falls in between the Lut and Damghan
Blocks. Gold mineralization is either in the form of listvenite-type within the
ophiolitic complexes or as veins, veinlets, and skarns related with hydrothermal
solutions in association with the Tertiary granitoid bodies (Ghorbani 2002a, 2008h;
Maghsoudi et al. 2005). The deposits and indications of gold in this zone include
Hangaran, Sahl Abad, Dargiyaban, Siyah Jangal, Siyadetorgi, Shoor Chah,
Almasaki, Toozagi, and Kuh Lar. Gold is dominantly associated with copper, arse-
nic, antimony, mercury, and lead–zinc.
Central Alborz Gold-Bearing Zone: Central Alborz trends in the east–west direction
from the east of Talesh–Tarom Mountains to Gorgan. Pas Qal’e polymetallic deposit
within the volcanosedimentary rocks of Karaj Formation is the only gold-bearing
mineralization of the zone (Ghorbani 2002a, 2008h; Maghsoudi et al. 2005).
5.8 Antimony, Arsenic, and Mercury
5.8.1 Mineralization Phases of Antimony, Arsenic, and Mercury
Such deposits have not yet been exploited in Iran, and yet no detailed exploration
and prospecting work has been done for antimony, arsenic, and mercury deposits, so
the geology and metallogeny of such resources in Iran are almost unidentified.
To understand the metallogeny of these elements, some facts and characteristics
are cited below for such deposits so that they will be usefully applied in future
exploration works:
1. Antimony, arsenic, and mercury deposits in Iran can be identified in two com-
pletely separate time spans (Ghorbani 1995a, 2009c):
• Late Proterozoic–Early Cambrian
• Oligocene and Mio-Pliocene
The Late Proterozoic–Early Cambrian rocks form the host and the surrounding
rocks of some antimony, arsenic, and mercury deposits and indications like those
in the Anarak and Takab areas.
It has to be mentioned that although antimony and arsenic minerals are found
in these rocks, younger Tertiary volcanic rocks mingle with the older ones.
Geological evidence indicates that the formation of these minerals occurred in
more recent time periods (after Eocene) and no concentration of these minerals
has been indentified in rocks older than Eocene. Since the origin of these minerals
is attributed to the Late Proterozoic–Early Cambrian rocks, it can be stated that
mineralization of antimony and arsenic and mercury anomaly are the result of a
recycling process that extracted these minerals from the Proterozoic basement
and concentrated them in young Tertiary rocks (Ghorbani 1995a, 2009c).
Most antimony, arsenic, and mercury deposits and indications in Iran were
formed in association with volcanic rocks younger than Eocene. Since the mine-
ralization of antimony, arsenic, and mercury deposits and indications are seen in
Precambrian rocks and they are also the product of recycling process by volca-
nism younger than Eocene, it can be concluded that the concentration of antimony,
arsenic, and mercury minerals was associated with the volcanism and plutonism
events younger than Eocene.
2. All areas wherein antimony, arsenic, and mercury deposits and indications are
seen have continental basement, and these deposits are mostly found within
young volcanic rocks with composition of basaltic, intermediate, or acid volca-
nics. Basaltic and andesitic volcanic rocks are older than acid volcanic rocks
and are more widespread. Although acid volcanic rocks show less expansion,
mineralization areas are mostly in connection with acid volcanic rocks, and basic
and intermediate volcanic rocks within the mineralization areas are mostly covered
by acid volcanic rocks (Ghorbani 1995a, 2009c).
3. Most antimony, arsenic, and mercury deposits and indications of Iran are in
connection with deep faults (Ghorbani 1995a, 2009c).
With regard to what has already been cited, it can be concluded that geological
and mineralogical evidences of antimony, arsenic, and mercury deposits and
indications of Iran point toward the concentration of these mineral deposits by
low-temperature hydrothermal solutions (epithermal) that were in connection
with the acid volcanic rock complex underneath the crust. Based on aforemen-
tioned geological evidences, for exploration and prospecting antimony, arsenic,
and mercury deposits, it is recommended to consider those continental areas
where young Tertiary volcanism (especially Eocene) occurred and deep faults are
present. The volcanic rocks in such areas vary from basalt to rhyolite, but shallow
small intrusive bodies (porphyry granite and porphyry tonalite) are seen within
these volcanic rocks (Ghorbani 1995a, 2009c).
Within the young ophiolitic areas (such as colored mélange on the east of Ghaen
and ophiolitic mélange in Khoy area) where Tertiary magmatism was active (Oligo-
Miocene), the formation of antimony, arsenic, and mercury deposits was possible as
well.
Antimony deposits are relatively young. It can be undoubtedly stated that other
than few deposits belonging to Hercynian mineralization cycle almost no antimony
deposit in Precambrian and Paleozoic rocks has yet been identified. Antimony
deposits are mostly formed during Alpine orogeny (young Alpine in particular)
(Ghorbani 1995a, 2009c).
Metallogeny of mercury is completely similar to that of antimony. No mercury
deposit associated with Caledonian orogeny or older has yet been reported
(Ghorbani 1995a, 2009c). Therefore, metallogeny of mercury took place in Late
5.8 Antimony, Arsenic, and Mercury 143
Paleozoic or later. Some mercury deposits related to Hercynian orogeny (Late

Paleozoic) have been reported, but main mercury deposits are formed during the
Cimmerian and Alpine orogenic phases. Mercury deposits are mainly specific to
folded and continental areas. They are found within deep faults and volcanic belts
and are in connection with basaltic magmatism and the resulted anatexis phenom-
enon underneath the crust (Ghorbani 1995a, 2009c).
Large epithermal gold deposits accompanied with arsenic, and sometimes with
antimony and mercury, formed in numerous and vast areas in Iran during the young
Tertiary and Early Quaternary and in connection with the volcanic activities in these
periods of time (Ghorbani 1995a, 2009c). Such deposits are mostly seen in areas
northwest of Iran such as Ghorveh–Takab axis, northeast of Kashmar–Torbat-e
Heydariyeh, and Ferdows.
5.8.2 Distribution of Antimony, Arsenic, and Mercury Deposits
Arsenic Deposits in Iran: So far, 17 arsenic deposits and indications have been
identified in Iran, and currently only two of them (i.e., Zarshooran and Valiloo) are
being exploited. The Zarshooran deposit is unique because of the degree of purity
and crystallized and cauliflower realgar. Besides the degree of purity, it contains
over 5,000 tons of gold with an average grade of 30 ppm (Ghorbani 1995a,
2009c).
The Most important arsenic deposits of Iran are
• Zarshooran in Takab area
• Chelpo in Kuh-e Sorkh in Kashmar area
• Dashkasan in Ghorveh area
• Valiloo in Ahar area
• Dastjerd realgar deposit Tabriz area
• Tikmeh-dash realgar deposit in Bostanabad area
• Aliabad realgar deposit in Kashmar area
• Gold-bearing arsenopyrite veins north of Torbat-e Jam
• Copper arsenate-bearing veins in Anarak
Antimony Deposits in Iran: More than 15 antimony deposits and indications have
been identified in Iran, but only 3 of them are actively operating while the country
imports a large amount of antimony to fulfill its needs.
Antimony deposits of Iran are concentrated in three areas:
• Ghorveh, Bijar, Takab area (Dashkasan, Moghanloo, Agh Dareh, … deposits)
• Central Iran area (Patyar, Torkamani, … deposits)
• Ferdows, Kashmar, Torbat-e Jam area (Chelpo in Kuh-e Sorkh, Shoorab,
Sarghaleh, Shed-mahmoud, Kalehneginan, Torbat-e Jam, Ghasoon, … deposits)
Fig. 5.8 Distribution of antimony, arsenic, and mercury deposits of Iran (Ghorbani 1995a)
Mercury Deposits in Iran: No nationwide prospecting project on mercury has yet

been carried out in Iran. Knowledge and information about mercury resources in
Iran is limited to the outcome of field visits by geologists from the Geological
Survey of Iran (GSI) (e.g., B. Borna, M. Momenzadeh, N. Rashidnejad-omran),
some information given by the local people and miners, and materials presented
in some preliminary prospecting projects by the Bureau of Mines in Iran (Borna
1991; Momen-Zadeh et al. 1987).
Figure 5.8 illustrates the distribution of antimony, arsenic, and mercury deposits
and indications of Iran.
Table 5.11 presents some geological/genetic characteristics of a number of
antimony, arsenic, and mercury deposits and indications as well as their associated
host rocks.
Table 5.11 Geological characteristics of some antimony, arsenic, and mercury deposits of Iran
General characteristics and type of
deposit Associated elements Host rock Explored areas and name of deposits
5.8 Antimony, Arsenic, and Mercury
Hydrothermal deposits having old Sb + As ± Hg along with gold Old carbonates and metamorphic Takab area (Zarshooran, Arabshah, Agh
mafic and ultramafic basement rocks Dareh), Anarak area (Patyar, Torkamani)
Hydrothermal deposits having old Sb + Hg ± As along with gold Young carbonates and old Takab area (Moghanloo-Agh Dareh,
volcanosedimentary basement metamorphic rocks Qizghapan, Qareh Dagh)
Hydrothermal deposits having Sb + Hg ± As ± (Pb ± Zn) Mesozoic clastic rocks and/or Ferdows area (Shoorab, Hesamieh, Se Qal’e,
Mesozoic continental basement younger igneous rocks etc.), Qorveh area (Dashkesan)
Hydrothermal deposits having Sb + Hg + As ± Au Rocks of ophiolitic suites and/or Khoy area (Khan Geli), East of Qa’en (Haji
Cretaceous ophiolitic basement their associated igneous rocks Abad)
Hydrothermal deposits having As Sedimentary rocks Ahar area (Valiloo)
volcanic basement
Ghorbani (2009c)
145
Regarding the geochemistry, metallogeny, and geology of mercury deposits,

their paragenetic relationship with antimony and arsenic deposits, and their
coincidence with the geological events in Neogene–Quaternary of Iran, the existence
of economically valuable mercury resources in Iran is undeniable. A few indications
and signs of mercury resources have been reported in the following areas (Borna
1986; Ghorbani 1995a):
Shoorab: Considering the geological evidences and chemical analysis results,
this mining area is very promising for mercury deposits
Makoo: Khan Goli and Kelisa Kandi areas
Ghara-dagh: Agh Dareh and Shakh-Shakh in the Takab area
Ghaen: Aliabad locality in the Haji Abad area
Ahar: Khoyna-rud locality
5.9 Nickel and Cobalt
5.9.1 Mineralization Phases of Nickel and Cobalt
Nickel and cobalt are usually found in ultrabasic rocks (such as peridotite and
serpentine) along with copper and minerals of platinum group. Cobalt is also found
in the form of high-temperature hydrothermal along with copper minerals in
basaltic to andesitic rocks. Even with the significant distribution of ultrabasic
rocks and relatively large number of chromite deposits in Iran, no noteworthy nickel
and cobalt deposit has yet been identified along them. Nickel and cobalt indications
identified in Iran are mostly of polymetal-type deposits.
5.9.2 Distribution of Nickel and Cobalt Deposits in Iran
The Most important known nickel and cobalt indications in Iran are given next:
Anarak Area: Nickel and cobalt minerals have been reported in ancient mines in
Anarak such as Mes-kani and Talmesi and also within other mineral deposits such
as She-barz, Chah-shoor, Gowd-morad, Cheshmeh Ab-e Shoorab, and Cheshmeh-
karim. Talmesi and Mes-kani are the most important among the above-mentioned
deposits.
Talmesi and Mes-kani Mines: Mineralization in these mines occurs in Eocene
volcanic andesites. Based on the geophysical, geological, and geochemical studies
carried out in the area, the basement consists of ultrabasic rocks. About 50 minerals
have been identified in these mines that contain copper, iron, lead–zinc, nickel,
cobalt bismuth, uranium, arsenic, etc.
Mahneshan, Zanjan (Baycheh Bagh Deposit): Volcanic rocks such as andesite,
andesite–basalt, agglomerate, and andesitic breccia along with acid volcanic rocks
5.10 Titanium 147
are seen in this area. The basement of this area consists of ultramafic and mafic
rocks. Mineralization is seen within the fractures due the function of high-temperature
hydrothermal solutions (Ghorbani 2000h). More than ten mineral veins have been
identified in this area that contain copper, lead–zinc, cobalt, nickel, bismuth,
molybdenum, gold, uranium, etc. The most important cobalt minerals in these deposits
are smaltite (CoAs3S2) and cobaltite (CoAsS).
Ghamsar Deposit: Sedimentary rocks such as limestone and sandstone outcrop in
north and south of Ghamsar. In some places, basic dikes have penetrated into these
sedimentary rocks, resulting in mineralization within fractures. Ancient mining
works can be seen 1 km south and 6.5 km north of Ghamsar, wherein some signs and
evidences of chalcopyrite, malachite, azurite, pyrite, erythrite, and limonite minerals
exist within piles of gangue consisting of quartzite and calcite.
There are some other areas where nickel and cobalt have been reported as accessory
minerals. For example, in the Eghlid area, mineralization took place in Paleozoic
rocks, and ancient slags containing copper and cobalt spread out over an area of
1 km2. Also, mineralization of cobalt has been reported in Early Cambrian rocks
within the Zagros Zone (Shahrekord area, and Karoon-rud deposit northeast of
Behbahan).
5.10 Titanium
5.10.1 Mineralization Phases of Titanium in Iran
The origins of titanium deposits are magmatic, placer, and metamorphic, with the
latter two comprising the most important and economically valuable deposits:
1. Titanium placer deposits: Since titanium minerals (ilmenite and rutile) are resis-
tant to weathering, they are mostly found as heavy minerals along with magnetite,
monazite, zircon, sillimanite, garnet, kyanite, andalusite, corundum, tourmaline,
spinel, staurolite, and epidote within river alluvium and beach sand. One of the
important concentration places for titanium-bearing minerals is titanium-bearing
black sands that are of specific importance when it comes to exploration and
prospecting. The source rocks of placer-type titanium deposits are titanium-
bearing rocks exposed to weathering and erosion. The titanium-bearing sands
Cretaceous are more abundant (Ghorbani 2002a).
2. Titanium magmatic deposits: These deposits are in fact titanium-bearing magnetite
and hematite that contain significant amounts of ilmenite and are mostly seen with
layered ultramafic and mafic rocks (gabbro–pyroxenite–norite and anorthosite).1
1
Most large titanium deposits of the world are associated with Proterozoic anorthosite rocks. Such
rocks have not been found in Iran as yet.
The titanium-bearing magnetite deposits are divided into two groups (Ghorbani
2002a):
(a) Titanomagnetite deposits that are formed in anorthosite and gabbro-anorthosite
rocks and contain ilmenite, magnetite, ilmenite-bearing magnetite, ilmenite-
bearing hematite, and rutile.
(b) Titanomagnetite deposits within gabbro and norite rocks. Titanium deposits of
Iran are of this group, which are the most important source of titanium.
5.10.2 Distribution of Titanium Deposits in Iran
Titanium deposits and resources in Iran have not completely been identified, and
those that have been investigated are not in production yet. Currently, all required
supply of titanium is imported (in the form of titanium dioxide). Thus, several explora-
tion projects have been carried out in recent years in order to provide titanium
resources in Iran, which are briefly described next.
Due to the high demand and price of titanium in Iran, exploration projects started
in 1983 in various areas such as the Caspian Sea coast, part of the Oman Sea coast,
Saghand, and Zanjan. However, low tonnage and grade of titanium resource in the
aforementioned prospective areas as well as the problems in mineral processing and
production had downplayed the promising ROI (return on investment) for these
areas until the Kahnouj area (wherein ilmenite was reported back in 1975) was
restudied in 1986. Primary studies and evaluations during prospecting and detailed
exploration works resulted in the discovery of a placer deposit of ilmenite and one
anomaly with an estimated reserve of 2.2 million tons and grade of 6% (Ghorbani
and Iranmanesh 2012).
In this area, the N-S trending rock units of the Band-e Ziarat area are the source
of ilmenite deposits found in river sands in east, west, and south of the area, which
encompass Darreh Gaz, Dasht-e Manoujan, Darreh Bagh, and Tiyab River. Aside
from Darreh Gaz, which contains the highest tonnage and grade, the rest of these
areas feature tonnage of several tens of million tons and grade of 2–4%, which
could be considered as promising titanium potentials in the future.
Exploration studies (in the framework of the Kahnouj Ilmenite Project; Kowsari et al.
1986) on titanium source rock (meso-gabbros) in the Kahnouj area point to the existence
of 20 million tons of titanium-bearing minerals with a TiO2 grade of 5.5%. Currently, the
technological feasibility studies for this area within the framework of a project called
“Equipment and development of titanium processing plant in Kahnouj” are underway.
In 1996, similar exploration studies were carried out by the Kavoshgaran
Engineering Co. in northwest of Urumiyeh that led to the discovery of Ghara Aghaj
titanium and phosphate deposit, and more exploration and further development
were recommended for this area (Maghsoudi 2000).
Based on the petrographic and geological studies, the intrusive complex of Ghara
Aghaj mainly consists of ultrabasic rocks with the composition of verlite, altered
diorite, and gabbro to gabbro–diorite. The degree of mineralization in the ultrabasic
rocks is higher compared to that in the altered basic rocks, and the ultrabasic unit is
5.11 Tungsten 149
considered to be the host rock of mineralization. The minerals within the ore include
ilmenite, titanomagnetite, magnetite, ulvospinel, hercynite, and apatite with a small
amount of sulfide minerals (pyrite, chalcopyrite) (Alipour-asl 1998).
Estimation and evaluation of this deposit point to approximately 208 million
tons of titanium minerals (probable reserve) with an average grade of 8.25% and 80
million tons of phosphate (probable reserve) with a grade of 4% of P2O5. Considering
these grades, this is the first deposit of ilmenite–titanomagnetite and apatite type in
the Middle East, which can be placed under the “exceptional” category from the
standpoint of titanium reserves (Alipour-asl 1998).
Geochemical and heavy mineral studies in northwest of Urumiyeh resulted in the
discovery and presentation of Kanik-Mangol titanium mineralization in the year
2000. Mineralization in this area is economically viable from two standpoints:
Titanium mineralization occurs both in the source rock and the placer deposit
(Maghsoudi 2000). Mineralization in the source rock is significantly extensive and
is of the following three forms:
1. Massive
2. Layered within gabbros
3. Disseminated within ferro-gabbros
Based on chemical analysis on some samples from these rock units, the percentage
of TiO2 was shown to vary between 2 and 14%. The minerals within the ore include
ilmenite, titanomagnetite, magnetite, ulvospinel, hercynite, and, in some localities,
apatite.
The Kanik-Mangol placer, which has originated and formed the from the aforemen-
tioned rock units, displays highly variable grade in such a fashion that the amount of
TiO2 in the geochemical samples taken from alluviums range between 1 and 13.5%,
and the amount of ilmenite in the heavy minerals samples is found to be as low as 1%
to a maximum of 69% in the enriched areas of the placer (Maghsoudi 2000).
5.11 Tungsten
5.11.1 Mineralization Phases of Tungsten
Similar to tin and molybdenum, the reserves of tungsten increased temporally when
moving from the old to the new eras. No tungsten deposit has been identified in
Archean. A small number of tungsten deposits formed in Proterozoic, of which
small tungsten-bearing pegmatites in the United States (Silver Hill) and tungsten-
bearing skarns in Brazil (Brezhu) and Sweden (Igohellen) are the best known
(Smirnov 1983).
During Paleozoic and due to Caledonian orogeny, larger tungsten deposits such
as Boguty with hydrothermal origin formed in Kazakhstan (Smirnov 1983).
During Late Paleozoic and due to Hercynian orogeny, large tungsten deposits
of skarn, greisen, hydrothermal, and porphyry types formed in many parts of the
world, including Akchatav in Kazakhstan, Ingichke in Central Asia, Panasguelva
in Portugal, Kings Island in Australia, and a tungsten porphyry deposit in southwest

of England (with age of Devonian to Permian) (Smirnov 1983). Most of the economi-
cally valuable tungsten deposits formed in Mesozoic and Cenozoic due to Alpine
orogeny, including tungsten deposits in southeast of China, which are the largest
tungsten deposit in the world and belong to Mesozoic. The tungsten deposits in
South Korea and Thailand also belong to this time period (Smirnov 1983).
The abundance of tungsten deposits in Phanerozoic as compared to Precambrian
shows the connection of tungsten with continental rocks, especially the granitic
ones.
5.11.2 Distribution of Tungsten Deposits in Iran
Tungsten mineralization in Mesozoic and Tertiary rocks of Iran has been reported
(Jahangiri 1999). Much of the tungsten mineralization has been found in association
of Jurassic–Cretaceous acid intrusive bodies and Tertiary magmatic rocks and also
along with the mineralization of copper and molybdenum. In general, tungsten min-
eralization horizons in Iran can be categorized into the following (Jahangiri 1999):
1. Mesozoic mineralization (Jurassic–Cretaceous in particular) in relation with
intrusive bodies: This type of mineralization is mostly seen in the Sanandaj–Sirjan
Zone wherein tungsten mineralization is accompanied with tin, gold, and silver.
Mineralization of tungsten and gold along with signs of tin within the
Sanandaj–Sirjan Zone, along the Boroujerd–Azna axis, in Abar-kuh in Central
Iran (iron, tungsten, and possibly gold), and east of Iran such as Anarak, Shirkuh,
Zarrin-e Ardekan, and south of Birjand are among the noteworthy examples.
Mineralization of copper, gold, silver, and manganese in the volcanosedimentary
rocks of Mesozoic is seen within the metamorphosed areas. Some copper deposits
of massive sulfide type have been identified in southeast of Iran.
2. Tertiary mineralization: This type of mineralization takes place in association
with Eocene intrusive magmatism and is more widespread in Iran. It is accompa-
nied with copper, molybdenum, and polymetal mineralization of Tertiary age
(e.g., copper, molybdenum, and tungsten mineralization in Ahar and Tarom
areas). Tungsten mineralization was anomalous during this time period, and no
important tungsten deposit has yet been identified.
Mineralization of copper, gold, silver, and manganese is in association with Late
Jurassic–Cretaceous volcanosedimentary rocks and can be seen in the metamor-
phosed rock units. In northwest and southeast of Iran, copper deposits, possibly of
massive sulfide type, can be found. If the metallogenic characteristics of tungsten
and geological features of Sanandaj–Sirjan Zone in areas like Dehbid, Eghlid, Abar-
kuh, Aligudarz, Shamsabad, and Nezam Abad are compared with those in the east of
Iran in areas like Deh Salm, Bazman, and Chah Kalab south of Birjan, there could be
hope for discovery of economically valuable tungsten deposits (Table 5.12).
5.11
Table 5.12 Important tungsten deposits and indications of Iran

Tungsten
Name of deposit or indication Location Geological setting Economic characteristics

Nezam Abad deposit Southwest of Arak Mineralization occurs within Extraction of the deposit has been stopped due
Jurassic sedimentary rocks to its low grade
and granitic massifs
Chah Kalab deposit 200 km to the south of Birjan Mineralization occurs within Scheelite and ferberite constitute the major ore
Jurassic rocks consisting of minerals that have close paragenesis with
schists, sandstones, and copper, zinc, and iron sulfides. The estimated
marbles, within which Shah- reserve of this deposit is 78,000 tons of WO3
kuh granite has intruded by Akrami (1974)
Southern Chah Palang 55 km to the southeast of Anarak Mineralization is associated with This is a polymetallic deposit of copper in which
deposit the granite body that has wolframite occurs within quartz veins
intruded into schistose Jurassic
rocks
Deh Salm indication Southeast of Nehbandan, Qavar, Mineralization is associated with A strong tungsten and tin anomaly has been
Chahdashi, and Darvish regions Deh Salm intrusive body. Heavy reported from the area
mineral analysis of the rocks of
the area reveals presence of
wolframite, scheelite, and
cassiterite
Tarik Dareh indication 30 km to the northwest of Torbat-e Mineralization is associated with Mineralization is in the form of scheelite along
Jam and a distance of 10 km the granite body that has with arsenopyrite
from Cheshme Gol Coal Mine intruded into schistose Jurassic
rocks
151
5.12 Uranium
5.12.1 Mineralization Phases of Uranium in Iran
Generally, all uranium deposits were formed in continental platform environment,

and most (about 70%) were in clastic rocks such as conglomerate and sandstone and
few of them in igneous rocks.
Uranium is among those metals whose mineralization is in close connection with
the genesis of granitic crust, its development, and formation of continental platforms.
The uranium deposits of Archean (excluding Late Archean) have not been identified
for the time periods where granitic crust did not exist. However, with the genesis of
granitic crust that is at the border of Late Archean and Early Proterozoic, uranium
deposits also came into existence, which form 20% of the uranium deposits of the
world (Ghorbani 2007a).
During the passage from Early to Late Proterozoic, large uranium deposits of
unconformity type were formed.
In general, those uranium deposits associated with granitic crust are accounted
for most of the world’s uranium deposits in Late Archean–Early Proterozoic and
Early Proterozoic–Middle Proterozoic. More than 75% of exploitable uranium
deposits of the world belong to this time period (Dohlkamp 1989; Ghorbani
2007a). The reducing condition in Early Proterozoic environments, which was
very suitable for the formation of uranium deposits, can help explain and under-
stand this episode.
A few uranium deposits of sandstone and magmatic types have been identified
that were formed in Late Paleozoic and Early Mesozoic.
5.12.2 Distribution of Uranium Deposits in Iran
Considering the above-mentioned points, the important uranium deposits of the

world belong to Late Archean–Early Proterozoic and the passage from Early to
Middle Proterozoic; the uranium deposits attributed to other geologic times are
insignificant (Dohlkamp 1989).
Late Archean, Early, and Middle Proterozoic terranes have no outcrop in Iran. In
fact, the oldest rocks in Iran belong to Late Proterozoic, and therefore large uranium
deposits in Iran are unlikely to exist. Some uranium deposits within Late Proterozoic
and Early Cambrian have been reported in Iran (Saghand, Narigan, Anarak, and
Gachin salt dome) (Ghorbani 2007a). Also, some evidence of uranium in associa-
tion with the Tertiary magmatic rocks has been obtained in some parts of Iran such
as Alamout and Ahar (Ghorbani 2007a), wherein the Atomic Energy Organization
of Iran has been carrying out exploration projects. The author does not have much
information about such uranium deposits, but considering the metallogeny of
uranium and Iran’s geological characteristics, the author does not expect valuable
uranium deposits to occur in Iran.
5.13 Phosphate 153
5.13 Phosphate
5.13.1 Introduction
The phosphate deposits can be categorized into three types: sedimentary, igneous,
and organic (guano).
The Iranian phosphate deposits are known from three geological time periods
and are dominated by sedimentary type (though igneous deposits are also recognized)
(Ghorbani 2008d).
Late Proterozoic–Early Cambrian phosphates are either igneous or sedimentary
in nature. Sedimentary phosphates are intermingled in the rocks of Soltanieh Formation
(especially its shale and middle dolomitic members) in Alborz and Central Iran
while igneous phosphates are found in the rocks of the Rizoo Series and their asso-
ciated intrusives in and around the Bafgh area. Transgression of Early Cambrian sea
in Alborz and Azerbaijan over the Proterozoic rocks has resulted in the formation of
phosphate-bearing shales, limestones, and dolomites during Tomanian and
Atabanian conformably overlying the Vendian dolomites (Alavi Naeini 1993). The
phosphate deposits of Dalir, Vali Abad, and Firooz Abad in Central Alborz
(Atabanian Stage) are of this type. Similar phosphate deposits are also found in
Mount Soltanieh.
Late Paleozoic–Triassic phosphates include deposits of Jeiroud, Laloon, Firooz
Kuh, Shahrood, and Damghan areas. It is worth mentioning that the most important
Devonian phosphate deposits of the world are found in Iran and Armenia (Halalat
and Bolourchi 1994).
Laramide (Late Cretaceous–Tertiary) mineralizations are found in most parts
of the world including the coastal regions of North Africa, West Africa, Middle
East, southern Urals, Greece, Tunisia, Brazil, Columbia, and Venezuela as well
as interior Paris Basin (Halalat and Bolourchi 1994). In the Zagros Zone of
Iran, phosphate deposits are reported from Gurpi exposures around Behbahan.
Other indications include Lar, Sheikh Habil, Kuh-e Rish, Kuh-e Kumeh, and Kuh-e
Sefid (Ghorbani 2008d).
The various origins of phosphate deposits are described next.
Sedimentary Origin: Seawater saturated with P2O5 at high pressure and low tem-
perature is the main source of sedimentary phosphate. Cold water – belonging to
deep sea and/or polar mediums – causes more soluble phosphate compared to warm
and shallow waters. When such cold waters migrate – by upwelling currents – to
warm and shallow environments, they become fully, or partly, saturated with phos-
phate, so they acquire the ability to form sedimentary phosphate deposits. Generally,
phosphate-bearing deposits are different in texture and composition, but their main
controlling factors are always the same. Such parameters are used in interpreting
and modeling sedimentation patterns. Generally, the sedimentary deposits of phos-
phate are widespread (Halalat and Bolourchi 1994).
Igneous Origin: Economic igneous resources of phosphate are observed in the form
of intrusive bodies, hydrothermal veins, or deposits that result from the differentiation
of alkaline magmas that formed ijolite, nepheline syenite, and carbonatite. Apatite
resources related to carbonatites are commonly found in continental rift zones. Igneous
phosphates usually contain hydroxyl fluorine apatite. Rarely, in some deposits such as
Eppawala, high concentrations of chlorine are observed. Usually, minerals associated
with apatite – such as vermiculite, anatase, pyrochlor, and monazite – contain rare
earth elements (RRE), so they are valuable by-products. In fact, only 18% of phos-
phate production comes from igneous resources (Halalat and Bolourchi 1994).
Organic Origin (Guano and Its Derivatives): Guano deposits are formed by the
feces of seabirds or bats, which are in small quantities. The most famous guano
deposit is located in Morocco’s Sahara, which is extracted at a few thousand tons
annually (Halalat and Bolourchi 1994). There is no sign of such deposits in Iran.
5.13.2 Mineralization Phases of Phosphate Resources in Iran
Iran phosphate minerals and resources were formed in three time periods with igneous
and sedimentary origins. These deposits are located in Central Iran and central
Alborz geologic zones (Fig. 5.9).
Late Proterozoic–Early Cambrian: Late Proterozoic–Early Cambrian phosphates are
either igneous or sedimentary in nature. Sedimentary phosphates are intermingled in
the rocks of Soltanieh Formation (especially its shale and middle dolomitic members)
in Alborz and Central Iran, while igneous phosphates are found in the rocks of
the Rizoo Series and their associated intrusive in and around the Bafgh area.
Transgression of Early Cambrian sea in Alborz and Azerbaijan over the Proterozoic
rocks has resulted in the formation of phosphate-bearing shales, limestones, and
dolomites during Tomanian and Atabanian which conformably overly the Vendian
dolomites (Alavi Naeini 1993). The phosphate deposits of Dalir, Vali Abad, and
Firooz Abad in central Alborz (Atabanian Stage) are of this type. Similar phosphate
deposits are also found in Mount Soltanieh (Fig. 5.10a, b).
Ordovician mineralization phase is observed in east of central Iran at Tabas and
Kerman regions; small phosphate deposits are also found in Mount Zardkouh in the
Zagros Zone associated with sandstones and limey sandstones (Ghorbani 2008d).
Late Paleozoic–Triassic: There is a phosphate horizon in central Alborz within
Jeiroud Formation. The phosphate deposits and indications belonging to this period
include the deposits of Jeiroud, Laloon, Firooz Kuh, Shahrood, and Damghan
areas in the central Alborz zone. It is worth mentioning that the most important
Devonian phosphate deposits of the world are found in Iran and Armenia (Halalat
and Bolourchi 1994), (Fig. 5.11).
Laramide Mineralization Phase: Laramide (Late Cretaceous–Tertiary) minerali-
zation is found in most parts of the world, including the coastal regions of North
Africa, West Africa, Middle East, southern Urals, Greece, Tunisia, Brazil, Columbia,
and Venezuela as well as interior Paris Basin (Halalat and Bolourchi 1994). In
the Zagros Zone of Iran, phosphate deposits are reported from Gurpi Formation
5.13 Phosphate 155
Fig. 5.9 Distribution of Iran phosphate deposits through different geologic periods (Ghorbani
2008d)
exposures around Behbahan with Late Cretaceous–Paleocene age (Fig. 5.12). Other
indications include Lar, Sheikh Habil, Kuh-e Rish, Kuh-e Kumeh, and Kuh-e Sefid
(Ghorbani 2008d).
5.13.3 Distribution of Phosphate Deposits in Iran
Two modes of origin, sedimentary and igneous, are considered for the phosphate
deposits of Iran. Igneous phosphates are usually found in alkaline complexes such
as syenite, ijolite, carbonatite, pyroxenite, and glymerite. Iranian igneous phosphates
located at Esfordi, Zarigan, and Lakeh Siyah in Bafgh-Posht Badam Block are
associated with alkaline igneous rocks (Halalat and Bolourchi 1994). Taking into
156
5
Fig. 5.10 Lithostratigraphic column sections of (a) Soltanieh Formation in central Alborz and (b) Soltanieh Formation in Zanjan–Shahin Dehz
5.13 Phosphate 157
Fig. 5.11 Phosphorus lithostratigraphic column section of Jeiroud Formation in central Alborz
(After Halalat and Bolourchi 1994)
Fig. 5.12 Phosphate formations in Zagros (After Halalat and Bolourchi 1994)
5.13 Phosphate 159
account the extension of such rocks in various parts of Iran, the possibility of exis-
tence of igneous apatite reserves in alkaline rocks cannot be ruled out. A complex
from volcanic–sedimentary rocks with gabbro to granite intrusive bodies with
Early to Late Cambrian age occurs at the Bafgh region (Central Iran zone). There is
a vast mineralization in the form of magnetite, apatite–magnetite, and apatite-bearing
magnetite in the area (to see the related map, please refer to Chap. 6, Fig. 6.3).
All known igneous phosphate deposits and indications in Iran are limited to
Bafgh, for example, Esfordi, Zarigan, Lakeh Siyah, and Mishdavan and Sechahoon.
Also, there are considerable phosphate resources in association with Bafgh iron
deposits like Chadormalu. High content of rare earth elements (REE) is observed
within igneous phosphates in the form of apatite and monazite minerals (Halalat
and Bolourchi 1994). If the whole iron-bearing rocks are extracted, they can provide
a great quantity of phosphate and REE.
Sedimentary phosphates constitute the majority of produce. They are dominantly
found in the rocks of Proterozoic–Cambrian, Ordovician–Silurian, Upper Devonian,
and Cretaceous–Tertiary (Halalat and Bolourchi 1994).
The results of the investigations in various parts of the country have thrown light on
a number of deposits and indications of phosphates in the outcrops of Soltanieh
Formation including those on Tehran–Chalus route and Taleghan area of central Alborz;
indications at Mount Soltanieh, deposits of Shahin Dezh, and indications on Ayeneh
Varzan anticline are the other localities of this type (Halalat and Bolourchi 1994).
Proterozoic–Cambrian phosphate resources belong to shale member of Soltanieh
Formation. The most important areas with known deposits are in central Alborz,
Taleghan mountain range, Soltanieh mountain chain, and highlands of Takab–
Shahin Dezh (Halalat and Bolourchi 1994). Such resources consist of low-grade
phosphate with high impurities, but their quantities are such that they form consid-
erable deposits. Some deposits of this type are Dalir, Valiabad, Zanjan, and Firooz
Abad (Fig. 5.10a, b).
The most important Ordovician phosphate deposit occurs within the shale–
sandstone sequences of Shirgesht Formation in Central Iran especially at Kalmard
anticline. The sedimentary phosphates of this time interval can be observed in Central
Iran (e.g., Kalmard and Rahdad deposits) and Zarand (Dahoueiyeh area). Overall, the
phosphates of this interval have no economic value (Halalat and Bolourchi 1994).
Devonian phosphates constitute the most important sedimentary deposits in Iran.
The most important phosphate-producing event in the world during the Devonian
times occurred in Iran and Armenia (Halalat and Bolourchi 1994). In Iran, the phos-
phates of this time interval are found within the sandstones of Jeiroud Formation
(central Alborz) or its equivalents. This phosphate deposit has a special importance.
The phosphatic zone has a considerable thickness in excess of 70 m beginning with
a limestone layer rich in brachiopods. This mining zone contains individual layers
with higher than 18% P2O5 and phosphatic sandstone and limestone with black shale
intercalations of lower than 18% P2O5. These are separated from each other by sand-
stones. In the Jeiroud area, this layer is associated with several layers of phosphate
each measuring 1–2 m in thickness (the phosphate-bearing horizon is located at the
lowermost parts of the section). Phosphate mineral in this formation is a type of
cryptocrystalline Cl-bearing apatite (frankolite) (Halalat and Bolourchi 1994).
Among the sedimentary phosphates of Alborz, deposits such as Jeiroud, Kasil,

Laloon, Gadook, and Dogol along with indications such as Tar Lake, Ordineh,
Kuh-e Shourab, Kuh-e Zangi, Hamla, and Margdar are more important than the others.
Cretaceous–Tertiary phosphate deposits are dominant in Zagros. There are seven
phosphogenic events during Coniacian to Oligocene in these regions, the most
important being (both in terms of quality and quantity) Paleocene (occurring at the
base of Pabdeh Formation) at Rizrud, Khourmoj, and Kuh-e Namak anticlines and
Late Eocene–Oligocene at the Dehdasht–Behbahan region. The phosphate-bearing
rocks of this period are important resources or hosts for petroleum (Ghorbani
2008d). Usually, source rocks such as Pabdeh Formation constitute the most impor-
tant phosphate horizon of Zagros. This formation is the most significant source rock
for the Asmari petroleum reservoir, which is the most important oil field in southern
Iran. Chenareh, Rita, and Tal-e Zang anticlines in Late Cretaceous; Khourmoj,
Kuh-e Namak, and Rizrud anticlines in Paleocene; and Kuh-e Lar, Kuh-e Siyah,
Kuh-e Sepid, Kuh-e Kumeh, Kuh-e Rish, Kuh-e Nil, Seikh Habil, and southern tip of
Bangestan anticline in Eocene–Oligocene are a few examples of phosphate miner-
alization in the above-mentioned regions (Halalat and Bolourchi 1994). Table 5.13
and Fig. 5.9 show the various types of phosphate deposits and their geological
and geographical distribution in Iran.
5.14 Talc
5.14.1 Mineralization Phases of Talc in Iran
Since talc is a secondary mineral, it is not logical to define specific time periods for
the formation of talc deposits. The origin and source rocks of talc in Iran are ultramafic
and dolomitic rocks that show various ages from Late Precambrian to the Early
Paleogene. These rocks transform to talc as they are exposed to metamorphism and
metasomatic solutions rich in CO2 and SiO2. Most ophiolitic complexes in Iran
belong to Late Mesozoic, and talc mineralization occurred in some of them due to
metamorphism and metasomatism during Laramide orogeny (Ghorbani 2010a).
5.14.2 Distribution of Talc Deposits in Iran
The important talc deposits of Iran belong to the following three paragenesis:
1. Talc deposits of dolomitic type: These deposits are the product of metasomatism
during metamorphism within the faulted zones in dolomites or dolomitic
limestones and can be considered as talcification process of dolomites (Ghorbani
2010a). This type of talc deposits is seen in northern Sanandaj–Sirjan Zone (e.g.,
Masoud-abad talc deposit, Azna talc deposit…).
2. Talc deposits of serpentine type: These deposits are associated with metamor-
phosed ultramafic rocks. If solutions rich in CO2 and SiO2 are present in the
5.15 Mica 161
Table 5.13 Important phosphate deposits and indications of Iran

Name of deposit or Probable reserve Average grade
indication Geographic location (million tons) P2O5 (percentage)
Kuh-e Lar Charam, Kohkilooyeh 350 8
Kuh-e Kume Southwest of Dehdasht 22 9.3
Kuh-e Rish North of Behbahan 10.6 11.2
Sheikh Habil North of Dehdasht 1 22
Kuh Sefid South of Izeh 17 12.5
Riz Rud East of Bushehr 160 8.25
Khur Moj North of Kangan 56 8.5
Kuh-e Namak Northeast of Andimeshk 24 8.2
Chenar North of Tehran 5 3.2
Shemshak-Jeirud Northeast of Firooz Kuh 73 9.13
Firooz Kuh-Gadook Northeast of Firooz Kuh 56 12
Deh Mola Southwest of Shahrood 9 10
Kalmard anticline Southwest of Tabas 6.2 5
Dahooeiye, Zarand East of Zarand 1.13 7.5
Dalir South of Chalous 23 11.5
Vali Abad South of Chalous 3 9
Zanjan Southwest of Zanjan 12 –
Firooz Abad South of Chalous 40 8
Esfordi Northeast of Bafgh 15 12
Zarigan Northeast of Bafgh 0.5 3
Modified after Halalat and Bolourchi (1994)
environment during the metamorphism of ultramafic rocks, talc would form

(the author is of the opinion that solutions poor in CO2 and SiO2 will give rise to
serpentine). This type of deposits is found within ophiolitic complexes, espe-
cially in Sistan–Baluchestan where the basement is ophiolitic; also, it occurs in
areas where basic volcanic rocks cut across ultramafic basement such as
Kharestan, northeast of Taftan, and vicinity of the Hamont Mountain along the
Iranshahr–Magasi (Zaboli) road.
3. Talc deposits of talc-schist type: These deposits form during metamorphism in a
closed system with clay-bearing dolomitic rocks or dolomite-bearing clays where
silica solutions are also present (Ghorbani 2010a, b, c). These deposits are called
talc-schist (talc is one of the components but does not have high quality) and are
noteworthy within the Flysch Zone in east of Iran.
5.15 Mica
5.15.1 Mineralization Phases of Mica in Iran
More than 50 mica deposits and indications have been discovered in Iran so far
(Fig. 5.13).
Fig. 5.13 Distribution map of mica deposits of Iran (Ghorbani 2011)
All mica deposits of Iran are in association with pegmatitic parts of granitoid batho-
liths and sometimes in metasomatized zones in lamprophyre dikes. In other words,
mica deposits are mostly found in places where igneous and metamorphic com-
plexes are seen together (Ghorbani 2011).
5.15.2 Distribution of Mica Deposits in Iran
Some of these igneous–metamorphic complexes suitable for formation of mica

deposits are
• Hamedan igneous–metamorphic complex
• Aligudarz–Boroujerd igneous–metamorphic complex
• Igneous–metamorphic complex north–northwest of Late Urumiyeh
• Deh Salm igneous–metamorphic complex
• Masouleh–Amlash igneous–metamorphic complex
Table 5.14 shows the important specifications of mica deposits in Iran.
Table 5.14 Geological characteristics of mica deposits of Iran
Sr. no. Geographic location Occurrence Enclosing rock Type of mica Associated minerals
1 Qareh Bagh, west Azerbaijan Metamorphic zone Metamorphic Phlogopite Green apatite, amphibole
5.15 Mica
2 Yarim Ghiyeh, west Azerbaijan Metamorphic zone Metamorphic Phlogopite –

3 Zarean, west Azerbaijan Metamorphic zone Metamorphic Phlogopite –
4 Ali Gavaber, Amlash, Gilan ?Pegmatite Metamorphic – –
5 Masouleh, Gilan ?Pegmatite Schist Muscovite and phlogopite Quartz and sodic feldspar
6 Jandagh, Esfahan Pegmatite Schist Muscovite Quartz, sodic and potassic
feldspar
7 Zanjanbar, Kashan, Esfahan Metasomatic zone Limestone Phlogopite –
8 Gheshlagh, Khorasan Pegmatite Granite Muscovite and minor amount Quartz, potassic feldspar
of phlogopite
9 Ching Kalagh, Khorasan Pegmatite Granite Muscovite and minor amount Sodic and potassic feldspar
of phlogopite
10 Deh Gheibi, Khorasan Pegmatite Granite Muscovite and minor amount Sodic and potassic feldspar
of phlogopite
11 Khajeh Morad, Khorasan Pegmatite Granite Muscovite and minor amount Sodic and potassic feldspar
of phlogopite
12 Sangan Khorasan – – – –
13 East Birjand, Khorasan – – – –
14 Nehbandan, Khorasan Pegmatite Metamorphic Muscovite Sodic feldspar and quartz
15 Shotor Kuh Khaftari, Semnan Metamorphosed Metamorphic Amphibole and phlogopite –
sedimentary layers
16 Cheshmeh Gorgab, Semnan Metamorphosed Metamorphic ? ?
sedimentary layers
17 Kuh Gabri, Kerman Granite Metamorphic ? ?
18 Sirjan, Kerman Pegmatite – – –
19 Qorveh, Kordestan Pegmatite Metasomatic Muscovite and phlogopite Sodic feldspar and quartz
20 Garmab, Kordestan Pegmatite Metasomatic Muscovite and phlogopite Sodic feldspar and quartz
(continued)
163
164
Sr. no. Geographic location Occurrence Enclosing rock Type of mica Associated minerals
21 Cheshmeh Chalan Choolan, Pegmatite Granite Muscovite Feldspar and quartz
Lorestan
22 Mola Taleb Lorestan Pegmatite Granodiorite Muscovite Feldspar and quartz
23 Dehno, Markazi Pegmatite Granodiorite Muscovite Feldspar and quartz
24 Shazand, Markazi Pegmatite Granodiorite Muscovite Feldspar and quartz
25 Dareh Kashkin, Sistan and Granite Granite Phlogopite –
Baluchestan
26 Mangavi, Hamedan Pegmatite Metamorphic Muscovite Quartz and sodic feldspar
27 Arzanfood, Hamedan Pegmatite Metamorphic Muscovite Quartz and sodic feldspar
28 Dehno Asadolah Khan Pegmatite Metamorphic Muscovite Quartz and sodic feldspar
Ghorbani (2011)
5
5.17 Magnesite 165
5.16 Boron and Borax
5.16.1 Mineralization Phases of Borax in Iran
The age of all borax deposits of Iran ranges between beginning of Late Miocene to
Early Quaternary, but it seems they were mostly formed during a time span at the
Miocene–Pliocene boundary.
5.16.2 Distribution of Borax Deposits in Iran
When the formation settings (i.e., such as stratigraphy, lithology, tectonics, source
rocks, climate, physiography, and geomorphology) of borax deposits around the
world are compared, Iran will pose as a very promising place for discovering valu-
able borax deposits. With the exception of the Gharagol deposit in Zanjan, which is
now being actively exploited and a lot of information is available about its geology
and mineralogy, some haphazard exploration and prospecting works were carried out
in different parts of the country, and none came up with satisfactory results because
of inadequate knowledge about the mineral properties, mineralization processes, and
mechanism of deposition of borax in specific geological settings. A list of the most
important borax mineral indications identified in Iran so far is presented next:
• Khatoon-abad-e Sirjan borax mineral indication (Deh-shotoran borax)
• Mohammad-abad Orion borax mineral indication (south of Sabzevar)
• Nadooshan borax mineral indication (Taft, Yazd)
• Borax mineral indication with magnesium sulfate (Miynaj, Mahneshan)
• Borax mineral indication in Kafeh Noogh and Kashkooyeh (Rafsanjan)
• Ashin borax mineral indication (north of Anarak)
• Isisoo borax mineral indication (north of Late Urumiyeh)
5.17 Magnesite
Magnesium is naturally found in the form of magnesite MgCO3, brucite Mg(OH)2,

dolomite MgCa(CO3), and magnesium-bearing silicates. Magnesite is the most
economically important mineral of this group. Rocks rich in magnesium such as
ultramafic and mafic rocks and dolomitic rocks are excellent sources for the forma-
tion of magnesite. Dolomitic magnesite deposits are good source of magnesium. The
Magnesite deposits in the aforementioned rocks form in various paragenesis, includ-
ing (Ghorbani 2007g)
• Hydrothermal magnesite deposits
• Replacement hydrothermal magnesite deposits
• Seepage magnesite deposits
• Sedimentary magnesite deposits
The conditions and settings for the above-mentioned types are available in most
parts of Iran, but no plan has yet been presented for the exploration of sedimentary
magnesite.
The magnesite deposits of Iran were formed in a time span ranging from Late
Cretaceous to Quaternary, and because of the characteristics of magnesite mineraliza-
tion, no exact time can be defined for the formation of magnesite deposits in Iran.
5.17.1 Mineralization Phases of Magnesite
The magnesite deposits in east of Iran, which are within the ophiolitic complexes
south of Birjand and east of Ghaen in Sistan–Baluchestan, are associated with Late
Cretaceous–Paleogene mineralization phase (concurrent with Laramide orogeny).
Although the possibility of formation of magnesite deposits beyond this time period
through the end of Tertiary cannot be ruled out, most of the magnesite deposits and all
of their source rocks formed during Late Cretaceous–Paleogene (Ghorbani 2007g).
5.17.2 Distribution of Magnesite Deposits
Although rocks rich in magnesium are found in many parts of Iran (ophiolitic
zones), most of the magnesite deposits of Iran are located in east of Iran (south of
Khorasan and Sistan–Baluchestan provinces). Table 5.15 presents the most important
magnesite deposits of Iran.
5.18 Celestine (Strontium Sulfate)
5.18.1 Mineralization Phases of Celestine Deposits in Iran
During young Tertiary and in association with the Tertiary–Quaternary phase, celes-
tine deposits in the form of intercalations with carbonate, calcium sulfate, and
barium sulfate were formed concurrently along the northern edge of the Central
Iran desert and in Zagros (e.g., north of Behbahan).
5.18.2 Distribution of Celestine Deposits in Iran
Strontium usually concentrates in celestine mineral, and strontium deposits con-

sist of this mineral. There are significant celestine deposits in Iran including
those in Namak Kavir, Behbahan, Bushehr, salt domes in Zagros, and Qom
5.18 Celestine (Strontium Sulfate) 167
Table 5.15 Important magnesite deposits of Iran

Sr. no. Name of mine Proved reserve Probable reserve
1 Chahkhoo 254,000 –
2 North Afzal Abad 170,000 252,000
3 Gomanj, Ghaen 170,000 2,700,000
4 South Afzal Abad 99,000 –
5 Hoz Sefid Arabkhaneh 212,000 –
6 East Hoz Sefid Arabkhaneh 190,000 –
7 Torshak Mohamadi 1,546,000 –
8 Tabas Mesina – –
9 Sarlord 162,000 –
10 Shir Koohak 1,450,000 –
11 Kasrab 23,000 36,000
12 Tak Siyah 72,000 105,000
13 Rezgh Soleiman 64,000 80,000
14 Kalateh Ali Mohamad 17,500 –
15 Shoor-o-Shirin Av 104,000 –
16 Cheshmeh Lagoori – 131,000
17 Farmaj 36,000 –
18 Espiki 142,000 238,000
19 Hasan Abad Korin 220,000 547,000
(Ghorbani 2002a). In general, celestine mineralization occurred in two zones of

Central Iran and Zagros. The Malek-abad celestine deposit in northeast of
Namak Kavir is the most important celestine deposit in Central Iran and has been
exploited for many years.
Celestine Mineralization in Alborz: Celestine can directly deposit from seawater or
form during the early stages of diagenesis process. Celestine mineralization has
been reported from a few horizons within Zagros, two of which are economically
valuable and one has been exploited.
Celestine Deposit in Salt Domes in Zagros: The origin of strontium in Hormuz
Formation is syngenetic and is accompanied by salt, gypsum, and marl.
Celestine Mineralization in Razak–Gachsaran Formation: Razak Formation is
correlated with Gachsaran Formation and is separable from it in the Fars area due
to the lateral lithologic changes. The rocks within this formation include marl,
marl–limestone, gypsum, and anhydrite. Deposition of celestine in this formation
occurred during cementation process as most celestine minerals are surrounded by
calcite (Ghorbani 2002a).
Celestine with post-diagenetic origin is identifiable through studying inclusions
and remnants of tiny crystals of calcite floating within celestine minerals. Strontium
is normally crystallized as celestine where enough sulfate ions are available in the
environment. These ions could be supplied from the seawater or groundwater that
once was flowing through the gypsum rock units (Ghorbani 2002a, b, c). The
possibility of such scenario to have occurred in Gachsaran Formation is higher due

to the high content of gypsum and anhydrite in this formation, and this is the reason
for deposition of economically valuable celestine deposits (e.g., Lilak-e Behbahan
celestine deposit) within Gachsaran Formation, which consists of limestone, anhydrite,
gypsum, and marl belonging to Early Miocene (Ghorbani 2002a). Asmari Formation
overlies Gachsaran Formation conformably.
In Lilak celestine deposit, there are two layers with thicknesses of 1.5 and 2 m
stretching for about 1,000 m; they form the main body of the deposit. The host rocks
include gypsum, anhydrite, marl, and foraminiferal limestone. The replacement of
limestone, gypsum, and anhydrite with celestine can be observed in places where
the layers outcrop and points to the fact that the formation of celestine veins was
syngenetic and metasomatic in origin (Romanko et al. 1985).
Celestine deposits are in the form of small and large crystals with compact
massive texture containing celestine-enriched masses having small pores and cavi-
ties filled with needle-shaped crystals. Celestine minerals in this area are mostly
seen along with remnants of carbonate materials from host rocks and show great
resemblance to celestine minerals found in Central Iran (Romanko et al. 1985).
Celestine Deposits in Asmari Formation: Asmari Formation has an evaporite mem-
ber that consists of gypsum, anhydrite, marl, and thin-layered limestone, which
belongs to Early Miocene. This segment is called Kalhor member and is mostly
seen in Lorestan, but it can be traced in Khuzestan Province as well. Sometimes,
evidence and sign of celestine is found in this member (Ghorbani 2002a).
Celestine Deposits in Central Iran: Celestine mineralization in Central Iran
can be studied and traced in evaporite member of Qom Formation (which con-
tains acid volcanic rocks) in areas such as Anarak, Qom, Varamin, and Garmsar
(Ghorbani 2002a).
The most important and the only active celestine deposit in Central Iran is the
Malek-abad celestine deposit located in northeast of Namak Kavir, which is about
200 km southeast of Tehran. The celestine minerals are seen along with intercala-
tions of marine series of fossil-bearing limestone, marl, shale, breccia, salt-bearing
clay, and chert of Early Miocene, which are known as Qom Formation (Ghorbani
2002a). To describe the celestine horizon in Central Iran, Malek-abad deposit is
briefly described here.
The economically valuable concentration of celestine within the three horizons
of marl–gypsum member (Member C2) of Qom Formation may be seen in the form
of a layer with or without gypsum. The position of major celestine horizons depends
on the overall thickness of Qom Formation as well as the distance of Member C2
from the base of Qom Formation in any given area (Ghorbani 2002a). However,
small amounts of celestine and some nodules are also seen locally in marls within
Members C1 and C3, or limestone–marl and marl–limestone in the upper part of
Member D, and also along the contact between Qom Formation and Upper Red
Formation (Ghorbani 2002a).
The tonnage of this deposit with regard to average thickness of 2.5 m for
celestine-bearing layer has been estimated at around 470,000 tons (Ghorbani 2002a).
The deposit is being exploited in an open-pit fashion.
5.19 Barite 169
5.19 Barite
5.19.1 Mineralization Phases of Barite Deposits in Iran
Barite deposits have various origins including sedimentary, volcanosedimentary,

and hydrothermal (Ghorbani 2002a). Barite mineralization in Iran can be traced
from Late Precambrian through Pliocene, but major barite mineralization events
occurred during the following time periods.
Barite Mineralization in Late Precambrian–Early Cambrian: Mineralization during
this period took place as syngenetic with deposition of dolomites of Soltanieh
Formation in Alborz and Azerbaijan or equivalent rocks in Central Iran (Ghorbani
2002a). Although barite mineralization in the aforementioned rocks is seen in many
locations, few valuable deposits have been identified during this period.
Barite Mineralization in Permian–Triassic: Extensive barite mineralization is seen
in Permian and especially in Triassic dolomitic rocks in Central Iran, Alborz, and
Sanandaj–Sirjan. Within this period mineralization of barite along with fluorite
occurred in large areas of Iran. Barite along with fluorite deposits in Central Iran
(Ardekan, Kamshecheh, Faskhood, Atashkooh, Kashan, and Delijan areas), in
Alborz (Elika Formation), and in eastern part of Central Iran (Ravar–Kuhebanan)
accompanied by lead and zinc, belong to Early–Middle Triassic (Ghorbani 2002a).
The Ghahrabad fluorite deposit in Sanandaj–Sirjan probably belongs to this time
period. The fluorite deposits in Alborz, which are mainly located in Elika Formation,
belong to this time period as well. In general, barite mineralization in Late Paleozoic–
Triassic can be categorized into the following groups (Ghorbani 2002a):
(a) Alborz: Barite mineralization accompanied by lead and zinc occurred in the
Elika and Duna areas, and barite mineralization along with fluorite took place
in Pachi Miyana.
(b) Central Iran: Especially in Ardekan area, extensive barite mineralization hosted
by dolomites occurred in the form of veins and lenses. Kamshecheh deposit
(which is in fact a barite and fluorite deposit) is an example of such scenario.
Barite mineralization in Central Iran and Alborz during Triassic was mostly accom-
panied by fluorite mineralization; in other words, fluorite deposits of this time period
are present in areas with more barite mineralization.
Barite Mineralization in Cretaceous: Barite deposits belonging to Cretaceous
(mostly Early Cretaceous) are mainly seen in Central Iran and Sanandaj–Sirjan
zones. The barite deposits of this time period are mostly seen in vicinity of lead and
zinc deposits (e.g., Mehdiabad) and close to some lead and zinc deposits along the
Malayer–Esfahan axis (Ghorbani 2002a).
Barite Mineralization in Tertiary: In Tertiary, an extensive barite mineralization
in connection with volcanic and volcanosedimentary rocks took place in south of
central Alborz, Azerbaijan, and Urumiyeh–Dokhtar volcanic belt (especially in its
central parts). The barite deposits in form of veins, lenses, and layers are abundantly
seen within Eocene and Oligocene volcanic and pyroclastic rocks in some areas
such as Qom, Saveh, Kashan, Delijan, and Qazvin (Ghorbani 2002a).
5.19.2 Distribution of Barite Deposits in Iran
Important barite deposits of Iran are distributed in the following areas (Khoshjou
1999; Ghorbani 2002a):
Central Alborz – two types of mineralizations are seen in this area:
1. Barite mineralization syngenetic with sedimentary carbonates in the northern
part of central Alborz
2. Barite mineralization within volcanosedimentary rocks in the southern part of
central Alborz, especially along the Karaj–Takestan axis.
Central Iran – two types of mineralizations are seen in this area:
1. Barite mineralization within sedimentary carbonates (dolomite) in the Ardekan area
2. Barite mineralization within volcanic and volcanosedimentary rocks along the
Qom–Kashan axis
Several barite deposits have been discovered in Kordestan and Western Azerbaijan
provinces in recent years, and therefore these areas have turned into new prospects
for barite exploration.
As mentioned earlier, barite deposits are geographically distributed in many parts
of Iran, but the most important and active barite deposits and mines are found in the
following areas (Fig. 5.14):
– Kamshecheh in Ardestan, Esfahan Province (10)
– Haji Abad in Zarin, Yazd Province (7)
– Ardekan, Yazd Province (3)
– Darreh Kashan, Esfahan Province (2)
– Jasb in Delijan, Esfahan Province (23)
– Darreh Lar in Tehran, Tehran Province (14)
– Haft-har in Aghda, Yazd Province (1)
– Elite (13), Alborz Province
Chari in Ab Torsh, Kerman Province (17)
5.20 Feldspar Mineralization
5.20.1 Mineralization Phases of Feldspar Deposits
The chemical composition of feldspar group is aluminosilicates of sodium, potassium,

and/or calcium; rarely, barium is seen in their chemical composition.
5.20 Feldspar Mineralization 171
Fig. 5.14 Distribution map of barite deposits of Iran (Khoshjou 1999) (1 Haft-har, 2 Darreh
Kashan, 3 Ardekan, 4 Dorbid, 5 Niyook, 6 Dasht-e Deh, 7 Haji Abad, 8 Hoodeh, 9 Ghara Gheytan,
10 Kamshacheh, 11 Tappeh-sorkh Bichegan, 12 Vavan, 13 Elite, 14 Lar, 15 Ahoorak Taleghen, 16
Seplark, 17 Chari-Abtorsh, 18 Garmab, 19 Chah Shirin, 20 Baghin, 21 Khaneh Hozeh-abad, 22
Tang-abad, 23 Jasb)
There are plenty of feldspar resources in Iran, and it is probable that with more
exploration works, many new deposits will be found. In order to get acquainted with
feldspar reserves in Iran, the various types of such reserves are briefly described
here. Generally, from a genetic standpoint, feldspar deposits in Iran can be divided
into two groups (Ghorbani 2002a):
1. Feldspar deposits associated with acid intrusive bodies
2. Feldspar deposits associated with acid volcanic rocks and tuffs
5.20.2 Distribution of Feldspar Deposits of Iran
There are more than 300 granitoid intrusive bodies in Iran, and 15% of them contain
pegmatitic zones rich in feldspar (sodic and potassic). On the other hand, there are
leucocratic intrusive bodies that lack ferro-magnesium minerals and instead consist
of feldspar and quartz minerals. In parts of these bodies, the content of quartz is low
and feldspar is high (Ghorbani 2002a). Such intrusive bodies can be considered as
multi thousand-ton potential feldspar reserves. The feldspar deposits in leucocratic
bodies occur within the Tertiary volcanic rocks, which went through fine differen-
tiation process (in magma chamber) resulting in the formation of horizons (layers)
of lava and white tuff rich in feldspar, which form large feldspar deposits.
5.21 Rock Salt
5.21.1 Mineralization Phases of Rock Salt Deposits in Iran
The largest salt deposits of Iran belong to the Hormuz Series that consists of volca-
nosedimentary rocks and belongs to Late Precambrian–Early Cambrian.
5.21.2 Distribution of Rock Salt Deposits in Iran
Iran is rich in salt deposits, and they are found in various forms as salt domes, closed
lakes, and open seas. Evaporite series from Precambrian to present have been
identified in many parts of Iran, but there are two major salt horizons as described
next (Helmi 2000):
One is a salt horizon within the rock units equivalent to the Hormuz Series, which
mostly spread in south of Iran.
The second one is within the Tertiary rocks found in the Lower Red, Qom, and
Upper Red Formations in Central Iran, Azerbaijan, east of Iran, and Gachsaran
Formation in Zagros.
Salt deposits and indications of Iran can be categorized into the following groups
(Helmi 2000):
1. Salt domes: These domes contain evaporative rocks including salt rock and
domes in the core of anticlines and along the fault lines. The most important salt
domes of Iran are
• Qeshm salt dome, 110 km southwest of Qeshm Island
• Kangan salt dome, 55 km from Kangan
• Siyalou salt dome, at kilometer 19 of the Bandar Abbas–Sirjan road
5.21 Rock Salt 173
• Gachin salt dome, 50 km west of Bandar Abbas

• Aliabad salt dome, on the northwest of Ravar
• Ismail-abad salt dome, 15 km northwest of Ravar
• Qom salt dome, 20 km from Qom
It is worth mentioning that most of the salt deposits in the Persian Gulf salt
domes stand above the sea level, for example, those in Hormuz, Qeshm, Abu-musa,
and Greater and Lesser Tunbs.
There are 115 salt domes in south of Iran, of which 101 are located between
Bandar Abbas and Sarvestan and 14 in south of Kazerun (Helmi 2000). Besides,
within the salt-bearing basin of Ardekan, salt domes outcrop in various shapes.
As many as 80 salt domes have been counted in north of desert near Ardekan–
Yazd road including Namak-e Kalout, Haji Abad, and Rastagh in Yazd (Helmi
2000).
Such deposits are also seen in other parts of Iran. There are many salt domes in
Azerbaijan, and some of them are being exploited. Some examples of these salt
domes are Douzkan, Alachigh, Khajeh, Shekarbolaghi, and Khoy-dou. There are
also many salt domes along the Garmsar–Semnan axis, and some of these are of
high purity (Helmi 2000).
2. Brines: In many parts of Iran, there are water bodies that run through salt-bearing
formations and dissolve salt, and some of them are economically worthy of exploi-
tation. Some of these brines are
• Rayen brine: It is located along the Rayen–Sardouiyeh axis. This brine is the
product of evaporation of saturated salt water in the area.
• Brine in Lut–Shahdad desert: This is located in northeast of Kerman at the edge
of Lut Kavir.
• Noogh brine: This is located 45 km northwest of Rafsanjan.
3. Salt springs: In some parts of Iran, there are brine springs whose outlet is near
salt domes or within salt-bearing formations. Such brine springs are also seen in the
Zagros Zone. For example, there are many salt springs seen at 30 km east of
Shooshtar to Sardasht in north of Dezful, all of which flow through Gachsaran
Formation. Four of these springs are worth mentioning:
• Brine spring in Aghili great plain
• Bardaleh bring spring
• Sardasht brine spring
• Gotvand brine spring
4. Salt-bearing evaporite deposits within closed basins of Iran:
• Hoz-e Soltan salt lake in Qom
• Lake Maharlou
• Lake Urumiyeh, the largest and saltiest perennial lake in Iran
5.22 Potash Mineralization in Iran
5.22.1 Mineralization Phases of Potash Deposits in Iran
Potash deposits as a result of evaporation of water within intracontinental epeiro-

genic basins as well as intracontinental basins formed due to rifting. Epeirogenic
basins mostly belong to Paleozoic, whereas rift basins belong to Mesozoic and
Cenozoic (Helmi 2000).
5.22.2 Distribution of Potash Deposits in Iran
Potash deposits in Iran are found in two forms: rock potash deposits, which are the
product of sedimentation during geologic times, and saltwater potash deposits,
which are currently being formed within places like playas. Of course, some alka-
line rocks in Iran such as syenites rich in lucitite can be considered as a source of
potassium. In general, potash-bearing areas in Iran include the following basins
(Helmi 2000):
1. Garmsar–Qom–Semnan basin: Various amounts of potassium have been reported
from different salt mines within this basin, the highest from the Rahrahak salt
mine (as high as 32% of KCl).
2. Azerbaijan–Zanjan–Hamedan basin: The evaporites in this basin belong to
Miocene. The salt-bearing layers are undisturbed and have not been affected by
severe diapirism (the micro-folds of pre-doming phase can still be observed within
domes), and in some cases, no diapirism has occurred (e.g., Maman salt mine at
25 km northeast of Mianeh where the potassium-bearing layers are very thin and
the percentage of potassium content in some samples reaches up to 50%).
3. Great Kavir of Iran basin: Khoor playa is one of the largest playas within Great
Kavir with an area of 1,800 km2. It is a suitable locality for exploitation of potash
from potassium-bearing salt waters.
4. Gavkhooni swamp basin: This basin has an area of 550 km2, with a potash con-
tent (KCl) of about 5.7 g/L.
Exploration and prospecting for potash resources have also been carried out in
Khorasan, Hormuzgan, and salt domes in Zagros.
5.23 Silica Mineralization in Iran
5.23.1 Mineralization Phases of Silica Deposits in Iran
Throughout the geologic times, silica deposits with various origins of sedimentary,
metamorphic, pegmatitic, metasomatic, hydrothermal, and placer were formed in
Iran (Ghorbani 1994d).
5.23 Silica Mineralization in Iran 175
Temporally, economically valuable silica deposits of Iran mostly belong to

Cambrian, with those belonging to Mesozoic ranking next (Ghorbani 1994d).
5.23.2 Distribution of Silica Deposits in Iran
The Kahar Formation in Azerbaijan and Alborz contains layers of quartzite that,
considering the tonnage and grade of SiO2, can yield productive deposits. For
example, in the Alamkandi area, there are valuable silica deposits within some
metamorphic rocks equivalent to the Kahar Formation (Ghorbani 1994d).
5.23.2.1 Mineralization of Silica in Paleozoic
Silica deposits in Paleozoic rocks are divided into three groups based on their time
of formation, quality, and quantity (Ghorbani 1994d):
Group One – Cambrian Sedimentary Silica Deposits in Association with Lalun
Formation: The silica deposits of this period account for most of the silica deposits
of Iran; they are widely seen in Alborz and Central Iran. The deposits of Alborz
(especially those between Firouzkuh and Soltanieh) are related to the upper part of
Lalun sandstone (Top Quartzite). In Kerman and Yazd provinces in Central Iran,
silica deposits such as Shajareh, Dahouiyeh, Darkaj, and Hashish are related to Top
Quartzite of Lalun Formation or its equivalents. The silica deposits within this hori-
zon (especially in central Alborz and Soltanieh area) are sufficient in quantity and
quality and are utilized in the glass, molding, and cement industries; however, they
are not of much use in the ferrosilicate industry.
Group Two – Late Paleozoic Sedimentary Silica Deposits in Association with
Siliceous Conglomerate and Sandstone: With the exception of few cases, these
deposits are not noteworthy in terms of number, quantity, and quality. Among the eco-
nomically valuable deposits within this group, the Rudkard and Chenariyeh deposits
in Kerman Province are the most important and belong to Silurian–Devonian (prob-
ably up to Carboniferous). They are associated with the phosphate member of the
Kereshk group. The next most important are the siliceous conglomerate and sand-
stone layers in Sardar Formation (especially in its upper part) that belong to Visean
Stage. In many places in the center, west, and southwest as well as Alborz, there is
a white to red-spotted white siliceous layer with a thickness of 40–60 m. An exam-
ple of this siliceous layer is a horizon with reasonable silica grade in the Talesh
Mountains north of Masouleh that stratigraphically is laid at the base of Permian.
Group Three – Silica Deposits with Igneous–Metamorphic Origin: These deposits
belong to Paleozoic and can be seen within the Sanandaj–Sirjan zone. The Koli-kosh
deposit is an example of such silica.
5.23.2.2 Mineralization of Silica in Mesozoic
Silica deposits in Mesozoic rocks are divided into five groups based on their genesis
(Ghorbani 1994d):
(A) Silica deposits of igneous–metamorphic origin: The silica deposits of this ori-
gin have the most abundance within the Sanandaj–Sirjan Zone. The silica deposits
within Hamedan phyllites are of this type. Since the origin of some deposits in this
zone is metamorphic, sometimes igneous, and sometimes both, they are here named
as igneous–metamorphic deposits.
Most of these deposits are located in the northern part of the Sanandaj–Sirjan
Zone. Most pre-Cretaceous formations in this zone have been metamorphosed. In
addition to extensive metamorphism in this zone, numerous basic, ultrabasic, and
granite-granitoid intrusive bodies were injected into this zone that resulted in the
silicification phenomenon. Metamorphism caused several veins and lenses of pure
quartz to form within schists and gneiss and also close to pegmatitic bodies par-
ticularly in the northwestern part of this zone, which are the Golpayegan, Doroud,
and Hamedan areas. The silica deposits of this zone are not large in terms of
tonnage, but they are of good quality. The following factors played a role in the
formation of these deposits:
1. Few of these deposits are directly associated to magmatic activities accompanying
pegmatitic phase.
2. Many of these deposits are syngenetic with the metamorphic rocks, and their
host rocks are of metamorphic schists. The origin of silica within these schists
and metamorphic rocks can be attributed to the following:
• Silica deposits are the end result of injection of silica solutions released from
acid magmatic bodies (e.g., Alvand granite) and emplaced within the sur-
rounding rocks. Such phenomenon cannot be applicable for all silica deposits
because many of these in the eastern part of Hamedan (Malayer) are quartz-
ites that are older than the igneous bodies (schist rocks surrounding quartzites
belong to Jurassic whereas Alvand acid bodies are attributed to Cretaceous).
• The silica deposits are syngenetic with schists, were metamorphosed along
with schists, and turned into quartzite. The contradictory behavior compared
to the host rocks is due to their different reaction to folding during metamor-
phism, leading to their lens-shaped masses.
• Lenses, veins, and thin layers of silica were formed concurrent with metamor-
phism so that during the increase of pressure and temperature in sedimentary
rocks, silica solutions moved through the rock layers. These solutions were
stopped as they hit intercalated carbonate rocks where silica solutions started
to etch the thin-layered carbonates. As pH unbalanced in the environment,
soluble silica began to precipitate and formed the deposits we see today.
(B) Sedimentary silica deposits: The Mesozoic sedimentary silica deposits in Iran
are more or less deformed. None of these deposits are suitable for the glass industry,
5.24 Kaolin and Fireclay 177
but they can be consumed in other industries such as casting and cement. Some of
these deposits are given next:
• Early Triassic silica horizon with a thickness of 5 m, which has been reported in
Alborz and some parts in Central Iran
• Silica layer within quartzitic conglomerate and sandstone in Semnan area in
Alborz (Chashm and Larestan localities), which is associated with Early Jurassic
rocks
• Early Cretaceous silica deposits in Yazd Province, which are associated with
siliceous sandstone in Darreh-zanjir Formation
(C) Silica deposits of placer origin: These deposits consist of quartz or quartzitic
pebbles and sands (which are the product of erosion of granites) that deposit within
water channels and river grooves, sea coasts, sand dunes, or the foothill of granitic
mountains. The size of the large pebbles is about 10 cm, which are used as silica
balls. Notwithstanding the numerous exploration works carried out so far, no note-
worthy deposit of this type has yet been found in Iran. The silica deposit in Shirkuh
granite in Yazd and the Rig Sefid silica deposit in Shahr-e Babak are good examples
of this type of deposit. The purity of silica in these deposits is not desirable, and they
have specific granulation. These silica deposits are seen in different grain sizes,
which suit other applications.
(D) Silica deposits of hydrothermal origin: These deposits are rare and are small in
size. The Mizooj deposit in Qazvin is an example of such deposits.
(E) Alteration silica deposits: There are extensive alteration zones along the
Takestan–Jolfa axis, especially in northwest of the Takestan and Meshkinshahr–
Ahar area, wherein valuable silica deposits are found. These alteration zones can be
differentiated as argillic, siliceous, and hematitic. The argillic zone is more exten-
sive than the other two, and the hematitic zone is the least extensive one. The argillic
zone is at the bottom and the siliceous zone at the top, with the hematitic zone some-
times seen between these two zones. These silica deposits are not suitable for the
glass industry due to the low percentage of SiO2 but can be consumed in the casting
and cement industries.
5.24 Kaolin and Fireclay
5.24.1 Mineralization Phases of Kaolin and Fireclay

Deposits in Iran
The kaolin and refractory deposits of Iran are found in association with two time
periods of Late Paleozoic–Triassic and Jurassic–Cretaceous more than any other
geologic time periods (Ghorbani 1994e).
Mineralization of Kaolin and Refractories in Late Paleozoic–Triassic: Most of
the kaolin and refractory deposits of Iran were formed during Late Paleozoic–
Triassic. These deposits are mainly located within the following areas (Ghorbani
1994e):
• Numerous horizons of refractory clay belonging to Late Devonian–Triassic are
seen in the Abadeh area. Among these deposits are Esteghlal and some horizons
of Kavir deposits belonging to Late Devonian and some horizons of Kavir depos-
its with Carboniferous–Permian age and Triassic kaolin-bearing horizon within
Shoorjestan Formation.
• Cheshmeh Shotoran and Chah-koolar deposits of Permo-Triassic in Robat Khan
area in Tabas.
• Norooz Abad, Ali-baltoo, and Chalpoo deposits of Permo-Triassic in Shahin
Dezh area.
• Amin-abad deposit in east of Tehran within central Alborz.
Mineralization of Kaolin and Refractories in Jurassic–Cretaceous: The refractory
deposits at the base of Lias (at the base of coal horizons) in Alborz (Sangrood area)
and the alteration kaolin deposit in Khorasan (Kaftar-kuh in Gonabad) are examples
of such deposits formed during the Jurassic–Early Cretaceous mineralization phase
(Ghorbani 1994e).
5.24.2 Distribution of Kaolin and Fireclay Deposits in Iran
The kaolin deposits of Iran can be divided into two types based on mineralogy,
chemical composition, formation setting, and even application (Ghorbani
1994e):
1. Sedimentary-type deposits, which are the product of erosion and sedimentation
of volcanic rocks. These deposits mostly belong to Late Paleozoic–Early
Mesozoic, but some of them were formed in Cretaceous.
The geographic and temporal distribution of this type of deposits is described
next (Fig. 5.15).
Abadeh area: This area houses most kaolin deposits and potentials. Kaolin minera-
lization in this area occurs in three horizons:
• Upper Devonian horizon: Among the deposits in this horizon, Kavir 5 and
Esteghlal deposits are the best and richest ones.
• Carboniferous–Triassic horizon including Kavir deposits.
• Triassic horizon associated with Shoorjestan Formation.
Central Iran and Alborz: This includes the kaolin and refractory deposits formed
within the Permo-Triassic strata in east of Iran (Robat Khan, Tabas, and Gonabad),
northwest of Iran (Shahi Dezh), and central Alborz (south of Amin-abad east of
Tehran). Most refractory deposits of Iran are seen in these areas.
5.24 Kaolin and Fireclay 179
45- Ghooshe 56- Issti-soo yellow

1- Esteghlal 12- Norooz-abad 23- Zonooz green clay 34- Nikooiyeh
kaolin-alunite clay
57- Ghalandari ziling
2- Kavir 5 13- Sang-rud 24- Issti-soo 35- Ghazan-daghi 46- Gandi
clay
14- Poshteh- 47- Komboloo
3- Kavir 16 25- Maneshakeh 36- Shabolagh 58- Ahar mixed clay
Samirom refractory
15- Dooplan
4- Kavir 17 26- Azar-goyooni kaolin 37- Kooshk-e Nosrat 48- Darreh-jazin 59- Ahar white clay
refractory
16- Baghe-siyah 60- Ghalandari-Ahar
5- Vijeh 27- Abak 38- Parandak 49- Kritoneh clay
Gonabad ziling clay
6- Cheshmeh 17- Kabootar-kuh 39- Tavakol-abad
28- Gavazn 50- Soorojin clay 61- Lalehjin clay
Shotoran kaolin kaolin
18- Makki
7- Robat-khan 29- Zajekan Qazvin 40- Hajib kaolin 51- Niyagh clay 62- Dasht-e Kalat
Kashmar
19- Abdullah
8- Tabas ball clay 30- Qazvin 41- Kooshk clay 52- Bibi-janloo clay 63- Brick clay Shileh
Shahbaz
9- Chah-bid clay-like 20- Robat Shah- 53- Ab-garm 64- Shahr-e Sookhteh
31- Abdol-abad 42- Shirin-goo
deposit abbasi Mahalt clay clay
10- Chelpo Shahin- 43- Shoorjehbolagh- 54- Kondaj kaolin-
21- Zonooz 32- Ab-torsh kaolin 65- Varmal clay
dezh bidloo clay
22- Blootlook 33- Kaolin deposit near 44- Deposit near
11- Shahin-dezh 55- Gray clay 66- Ghasem-abad
Zonooz Alan Ghaya ghezeljeh
Fig. 5.15 Distribution map of kaolin and fireclay deposits of Iran (Ghorbani 1994e)
Zagros: The kaolin and refractory deposits in Zagros are found in Upper Cretaceous
and in association with Sarvak and Ilam Formations (Shahreza area).
In all these deposits, kaolin is the dominant mineral with a little quartz content.
Minerals rich in aluminum such as diaspor, boehmite, and, sometimes, pyrophyllite
are also seen. Iron minerals such as limonite and hematite are mostly seen in their
paragenesis, and sometimes, the grade is so high that no sorting is usually needed
after extraction (Ghorbani 1994e).
These deposits usually contain titanium, which exists in the form of anatase min-
eral (Ghorbani 1994e).
The percentage of SiO2 in these deposits does not exceed 55%, but the Al2O3
content is above 25% and sometimes reaching 49% (Ghorbani 1994e).
Most of these mineral materials are of high plasticity and relatively good fire-
resistance.
These sedimentary deposits are usually in alternation with limestone, dolomite,
shale, and bitumen-bearing shale layers of shallow marine origin (Ghorbani 1994e).
They are the product of erosion and alteration imposed on rocks rich in feldspar.
Some of the characteristics of these deposits are their association with epeirogenic
carbonate sediments and lack of fossil flora (Ghorbani 1994e).
2. Hydrothermal or alteration-type deposits, which are the result of Tertiary vol-
canic activities in Alborz, Azerbaijan, and east of Iran.
Except the Kaftar-kuh deposit in eastern Iran, which belongs to Jurassic, the rest
of the deposits of this type are in connection with the Tertiary rocks and are located
in the north and northwest of Iran as well as in other areas such as Gonabad,
Kashmar, and Saveh (Ghorbani 1994e). The characteristics of deposits of this type
are given next:
• Absolute dominance of kaolin mineral, having significant amounts of quartz and
sometimes alunite, absence of diaspor and boehmite.
• The percentage of SiO2 is more than 60% and Al2O3 less than 24%.
• Associated with these deposits, volcanic rocks such as tuff, andesite, and dacite
as well as intermediate to acid intrusive bodies at shallow depths are abundant
(especially along the Takestan–Jolfa axis), and their age ranges from Eocene to
Oligocene.
Late Eocene and Oligocene magmatism caused an increase in geothermal gradient
in many places in Iran and emplaced numerous intrusive bodies at shallow depths
(Ghorbani 1994e). As a result of this magmatism, hydrothermal solutions were
mobilized (these hydrothermal solutions either originated from magma or the prod-
uct of the heating up of groundwater).
Based on available facts, these hydrothermal solutions contained great amounts
of sulfate ions and caused an extensive alteration along the Takestan–Jolfa axis. If
the hydrothermal solutions contained more sulfate ions (high acidity or low pH), the
alteration process would lead to the formation of alunite, whereas the lower degree
of acidity of the hydrothermal solutions (high pH) would result in kaolinization
(Ghorbani 1994e).
5.25 Bentonite 181
5.25 Bentonite
5.25.1 Introduction
Iranians were aware of bentonite back in 1,000 B.C. and differentiated its various
types. They used it as detergent and medicine. However, the mass production of
bentonite began when oil explorations in the southern part of Iran brought up new
applications for this mineral. Currently, 50% of bentonite reserves of Iran are con-
sumed by the oil industry, and the rest is used in other industries such as ceramics,
pelletization, paint, and various oil refining applications (Ghorbani 1991a). So far,
105 bentonite deposits and indications have been identified and explored, but only
a few are being exploited to fulfill the needs of the country. The data presented
herein are the result of a nationwide research on the bentonite deposits of Iran tar-
geted at understanding their physicochemical properties and genesis (Ghorbani
1994a).
5.25.2 Distribution of Bentonite Deposits in Iran
In general, 105 bentonite deposits and indications have been identified in Iran, most of
which are located in central Iran, eastern Iran, Alborz, and Azerbaijan (Fig. 5.16).
These deposits are mostly found in the structural units with significant Tertiary
volcanic activities, which are clearly visible by comparing Fig. 5.16 with Fig. 2.2 in
Chap. 2.
5.25.3 Specifications of Bentonite Deposits in Iran

and Their Genesis
The primary mineral of all bentonites in Iran is montmorillonite. In most of these,

bentonites minerals like cristobalite, quartz, and calcite are found as secondary
minerals. It is interesting to note that in the bentonite deposits of Iran, montmoril-
lonite and kaolinite minerals are not paragenetic. Evidences from mineralogical
studies and field observations indicate that wherever these two minerals are seen
together, the minerals and the host rocks show stratiform structure, and the minerals
are the result of erosion and sedimentation (they are not in situ) and do not form
high-quality deposits.
There are a few cases of bentonite deposits in Iran where pieces of albite, feld-
spar, and some minerals from the source rock are found and therefore do not produce
CASPIAN SEA
PE
R
SI
A
N
G
O
LF
OMMAN SEA
TEHRAN QUATERNARY
BENTONITE RESOURCES OPHIOLITE
Fig. 5.16 Distribution map of bentonite deposits of Iran (Hejazi and Ghorbani 1994)
high-quality deposits. In other words, such bentonite deposits are the product of
surface alteration (Ghorbani 1991a).
5.25.4 Chemical Composition of Bentonite Deposits in Iran
Studies on the chemical composition of bentonite deposits of Iran reveal the follow-
ing six regimes (Table 5.16) (Ghorbani 1991a):
1. The silica percentage for most bentonite deposits within the same zone is alike,
for example, the percentage of SiO2 in all bentonite deposits with age of Eocene
around Central Iran desert is 58–63%, and those with age of Oligo-Miocene
located in east of central Iran is about 55%. This fact seems to be due to the
composition of the source rock, pH and Eh conditions, and the depth of the basin
at the time of bentonite formation.
5.25
Bentonite
Table 5.16 Chemical composition of bentonite deposits of Iran

Deposit name Total H2O− H2O+ MgO CaO Al2O3 SiO2 FeO+ Fe2O3 K2O Na2O
Goosh-mir 100.51 6.06 6.52 2.02 6.8 12.43 63 0.59 0.44 2.65
Hessami-ye Ferdows 101.54 4.3 14.37 2.52 9.81 12.66 50 1.88 3.67 2.33
Jahrom 100.77 9.38 8.02 5.24 1.61 21.04 53.06 1.13 1.29 0
Kheyr-abad-e Kerman 98.43 8.03 11.3 2.9 1.94 14.4 56.49 1.24 0.62 1.51
Khoshab-e Kashmar 100.6 12.81 11.6 2.67 10.57 14.34 41.6 4.95 0.28 1.78
Kilan 99.67 7.68 5.56 4.36 2.66 17.11 54.38 4.3 1.3 2.32
Mehrjan 99.97 5.19 4.41 2.67 1.54 15.09 66.79 1.69 0.26 2.33
Rashm 99.46 5.49 4.99 1.92 0.77 16.65 62.07 2.16 1.14 4.27
Siah Kuh 99.21 4.91 4.03 1.92 1.33 13.37 68.6 1.37 0.91 2.77
Soosan-var 89.67 3.1 5 1.11 2.03 10.04 62.53 1.2 1.13 3.53
Tafresh 98.87 9.46 6.31 3.75 1.47 18.85 53.09 3.2 1.3 1.44
Zarrin 99.45 3.76 8 1.81 6.66 14.24 55.9 3.74 1.31 4.03
Ghorbani (1991a)
183
2. The percentages of Al2O3 in all bentonite deposits of Iran are very close to one
another, and different bentonite-bearing areas do not seem to be in conflict
regarding this matter. The fact is that Al2O3 is an oxide with low mobility, and its
amount does not change much during the bentonization process. This is espe-
cially true for bentonites of Iran as the source rocks for all of them are acid
volcanic rocks, whose amount of Al2O3 does not fluctuate significantly.
3. The amount of iron oxide in the bentonite deposits of Iran is low. The iron content in
bentonite is reflected in its color. When the bentonite is light in color, the iron content
is low and under 2%, while those with red, yellow, or green color point to high per-
centage of iron oxide. However, it is to be noted that the color of the bentonite depos-
its in adjacent areas does not differ much and with the same token, the amount of iron
oxide in such deposits does not vary much either. This finding points to the fact that
the chemical composition of bentonite-forming volcanic rocks in adjacent areas is
approximately similar. Field observations made by the author confirm this matter.
4. The percentages of sodium and potassium oxides are low in all bentonite depos-
its of Iran while the amount of sodium is usually more than potassium. In those
deposits where the NiO2 percentage is significantly high, halite is found as the
secondary mineral. Halite is seen in desert areas of Iran and is associated with
severe evaporative condition in deserts that occurs after bentonization process.
5. There is an inverse relation between the amount of H2O and SiO2 in bentonite
deposits; the percentage of H2O in bentonite with high percentage of SiO2 is low
and vice versa.
6. The percentages of MgO and CaO are variable because these two components
appear in bentonite in two forms:
(a) In the structure of montmorillonite mineral
(b) In calcite or dolomite minerals that exist in bentonite as secondary minerals
In general, the number of calcium bentonite deposits is far less than sodium bentonites.
5.25.5 Age of Bentonite Deposits in Iran
All bentonite deposits of the world have almost been formed during Jurassic to
Pleistocene. There are many bentonite deposits in the United States, Europe, and
Asia with age of Cretaceous. However, most bentonite deposits belong to Tertiary.
No bentonite deposits with age of Cretaceous or older have yet been identified in
Iran. All bentonite deposits of Iran are younger than Cretaceous, and almost all of
them have been formed in Tertiary. In general, no bentonite deposits with age of
older than Eocene and younger than Late Miocene have been found in Iran. This age
range exactly matches the time during which volcanic activities, especially subma-
rine volcanism, occurred in Iran. The volcanic activities during Tertiary are trace-
able in Iran, but there were three periods of time where such activities took place
most extensively (Ghorbani 1991a):
– Middle Eocene
– Late Oligocene–Early Miocene
– Middle–Late Miocene
5.25 Bentonite 185
It must be noted that all bentonite deposits in Iran formed during these three
time intervals.
5.25.6 Environment of Bentonite Deposition
Before proceeding to describe the setting for such deposits, some facts and features
about bentonite deposits of Iran need to be cited:
1. Except for a few cases, the bentonite deposits of Iran were formed in situ, mean-
ing no transportation has taken place.
2. All bentonite deposits of Iran conform to their surrounding rocks (host rocks)
and show stratiform shapes.
3. The thickness of these deposits varies even within a short distance.
4. In some cases, the bentonite deposits are seen in the form of two colored
layers (e.g., the bentonite deposit in the Tafresh area, where the green layer
is at the bottom and the yellow layer on the top; the bentonite deposit in
Oushar Alamdar in the Jolfa area, wherein the lower layer is whiter with bet-
ter quality and the top layer is brownish with lower quality; the bentonite
deposit in Panjeh Sofla in the Bijar area, with the white layer at the bottom
and the red layer on the top). The assumption is that the bentonite color does
not change diagenetically because bentonite is impermeable, and even under
extreme oxidizing conditions, its color remains unchanged.
5. Minerals like muscovite, biotite, and rounded quartz are not seen in bentonite
deposits of Iran and, if present, are anhedral and angular. In fact, no clastic miner-
als are found in the bentonite deposits of Iran.
6. Although bentonite can preserve fossils in good condition, no fossils have yet
been reported in the bentonite deposits in Iran.
7. The chemical properties of the bentonite deposits of Iran point to alkaline pH
(pH = 8), and field observations indicate that such properties have not changed
after they were formed.
8. Organic bituminous materials that give dark color to rocks are not found in the
bentonite deposits in Iran. The white color of these deposits is a proof.
9. Taking into account the aforementioned facts and the field studies on all bentonite-
bearing areas of Iran, it can be stated that the environmental setting for the
formation of these deposits was of shallow marine type, either coastal or
lagoonal in connection with open sea. Such environments were oxidizing with a
pH of 8–9 and salinities higher than the ocean.
There are other chemical evidences that point to oxidizing conditions of the formation
of these deposits:
(A) The amount of SiO2 in these bentonite deposits is less than the source rocks (the
source rocks for most of the bentonite deposits in Iran are acid volcanic rocks).
Since SiO2 is an acidic oxide, it is very soluble in neutral or acid environment
and needs alkaline environment to deposit.
(B) The relative percentage of Al2O3 in bentonite deposits is higher than the source
rock. This indicates that not only Al2O3 did not dissolve but was stable during
the formation of bentonite.
5.25.7 Origin and Genesis of Bentonite Deposits in Iran
Before discussing the origin of these deposits, some facts need to be mentioned:
1. Cristobalite is seen as a secondary or accessory mineral in many bentonite depos-
its around the world, and it has been found in 30 bentonite deposits in Iran as
well. Cristobalite forms at higher temperature and lower pressure than that
required for quartz, and it exists in volcanic rocks such as rhyolite to dacite. It
can be clearly stated that no cristobalite exists in plutonic bodies.
2. All bentonite deposits in Iran are younger than Eocene and formed during the
Eocene and Oligo-Miocene periods.
3. No bentonite deposit has yet been identified around the plutonic bodies. This
statement is based on the observations and studies done over the surrounding
rocks of more than 300 intrusive bodies, and it seems there is no connection
between the igneous intrusive bodies (even those of acid type) and bentonite
deposits. However, it is to be noted that the reference is made to those bentonite
deposits with more than 80% of montmorillonite content.
4. As mentioned earlier, strong volcanism occurred in most parts of Iran in Tertiary.
In Alborz and Central Iran areas during some period of time, especially in Middle
Eocene, volcanic and pyroclastic formations are dominant and more visible than
other rock units. Such activities began from Lower Eocene and reached their
peak in Middle Eocene. They were replaced by plutonic activities in Late
Eocene–Early Oligocene, and from Late Oligocene through Pliocene, they soared
again, finally slowing down from the beginning of Plio-Quaternary until settling
down as of now.
5. In all areas, the bentonite deposits are accompanied by the volcanic rocks, espe-
cially the acid ones, and tuffs, and there is a very close connection between them.
6. In those parts of Iran where the volcanic activities were weak or absent, signs of
bentonite are either rare or wanting.
7. In some bentonite deposits in Iran, pieces of volcanic glass are found (e.g., ben-
tonite deposits in east of Iran, Qazvin area, and Angouran area around Zanjan).
Based on the facts and observations mentioned earlier, the lithologic characteristics
of rocks surrounding the bentonite areas, as well as the mineralogical and chemical
studies on the bentonite deposits of Iran, the origin of bentonite deposits and the
their formation settings can be depicted as follows.
Acid pyroclastic rocks are the source rock for bentonite deposits, which are of
rhyolitic and dacitic types, and they are always seen in contact with bentonite deposits.
Field observations on 100 bentonite deposits and indications as well as the mineral-
ogical studies on minerals, host, and surrounding rocks undoubtedly indicate a
5.25 Bentonite 187
very close and direct connection between volcanic rocks (especially acid tuffs) and
bentonite deposits, and the deposits are the product of transformation and alteration
of acid tuffs. Besides, some minerals left in the bentonite bodies have acidic com-
position such as cristobalite, quartz, and alkali-feldspar. The chemical composi-
tion of bentonite indicates that the very first source rock of bentonite is of acidic
type. Even the studies on rare elements in bentonite deposits and acid tuffs in a few
areas indicate a great resemblance between the rare elements in bentonite deposits
and those in acidic tuffs (Ghorbani 1991a; Ghorbani and Tajbakhsh 2010).
5.25.8 Formation of Bentonite Deposits
Before proceeding to the formation of bentonite deposits, some facts need to be

cited (Ghorbani 1991a; Ghorbani and Tajbakhsh 2010):
1. Out of 105 bentonite deposits in Iran, only 3 contain montmorillonite and kaolin-
ite together, where montmorillonite is the primary mineral and kaolinite the sec-
ondary. All three deposits have been transported to their current positions due to
sedimentary processes. No kaolinite mineral exists in any of in situ bentonite
deposits.
2. No bentonite deposit has been identified around the granite bodies in Iran.
3. The source rocks of bentonite deposits are acidic tuff, rhyolitic and dacitic pyro-
clastic rocks.
4. The environment of deposition of bentonite is coastal or lagoonal constantly
affected by tidal waves. This environment has alkaline pH and high Eh.
It is to be noted that the general belief is that during the alteration and weathering
processes, feldspar transforms to clay minerals and eventually bauxite, as described
next:
Weathering
Alkaline feldspar ¾¾¾¾ ® montmorillonite + alkaline cations + SiO 2
Weathering
Montmorillonite ¾¾¾¾ ® kaolinite + alkaline cations + SiO 2
Weathering
Kaolinite ¾¾¾¾ ® bauxite
The common thought is that bentonite and kaolinite deposits are the product of
alteration and weathering of feldspar-bearing rocks in suitable climate conditions,
but contrarily, surface alteration and weathering processes could not produce
bentonite and kaolinite deposits out of igneous and metamorphic rock, and the
following facts confirm this view (Ghorbani 1991a; Ghorbani and Tajbakhsh 2010):
(a) Minerals that are the product of alteration of igneous or metamorphic rocks are
not found in bentonite.
(b) Quartz with clastic origin is rarely seen in bentonite deposits.

(c) Not even one bentonite deposit has been reported around the large plutonic
bodies in Iran.
Considering the aforementioned facts, it should not be assumed that valuable mont-
morillonite deposits are formed from the alteration of igneous and metamorphic
rocks. In fact, common clay deposits used in bricks and ceramic form around the
plutonic bodies.
Considering the aforementioned facts, the formation of bentonite can be explained
by ejection of tuffs with rhyolitic and dacitic compositions into a suitable environ-
ment (shallow basin with alkaline pH and high Eh), thus forming economical and
valuable deposits before entering diagenesis (Ghorbani 1991a; Ghorbani and
Tajbakhsh 2010). Bentonitization is a physiochemical process that could take place
in different forms, including (Ghorbani 1991a) the following:
(a) Explosive or fairly calm volcanic eruptions spray out volcanic particles of ash
size into the sedimentary basin. Provided the suitable condition is in place,
these particles stay suspended for a period of time while descending toward the
bottom of the basin (under Stoke’s law), and the bentonization process could
take place while these particles shower down onto the bottom of the basin.
(b) While these particles settle down at the bottom (like snow covers the ground),
before undergoing diagenesis, and because of the porous nature of the mineral
body, some SiO2 and alkaline elements are washed out in the form of solutions;
this is how volcanic materials with feldspatic composition transform to mont-
morillonite (bentonite).
(c) The transformation of volcanic materials to bentonite after diagenesis is much
harder compared to the same process before it.
(d) Volcanic tuffs may transform to bentonite deposits when exposed to precipita-
tion and weathering, but these deposits are not desirable in terms of quality, and
no such deposit has ever been exploited in Iran.
5.26 Diatomite
5.26.1 Distribution of Diatomite Deposits
Diatomite deposits in Iran have been studied in the Azerbaijan area in three localities.
(A) Some diatomite deposits are seen within the Tabriz area:
• Deposits in Agh-yoghoosh Pass and Khalat-pooshan Valley in east of Tabriz,
where the thickness of diatomite deposits reaches up to 30 m in some places
• Deposits in Eeli-goli and Emamiyeh
(B) Diatomite deposits have been identified in east of Sahand Mountain in Khosro-
shahr, Oskou and Azar-shahr, and lake deposits including tuff, pumice, diatomite,
5.28 Dolomite 189
and conglomerate have been found in the vicinity of the Mamagah Village. The
content of diatomite in these deposits varies from 2 to 36.1%.
(C) The physical, chemical, mechanical, and microscopic studies and analysis on
diatomite samples taken from south of Ardebil and east of Sareiyn have proved
satisfactory and promising results from grade and tonnage standpoints.
5.27 Perlite
5.27.1 Mineralization Phases of Perlite Deposits in Iran
The perlite is a vitreous acidic to intermediate volcanic rock with 2–5% water content
in its composition. The texture of perlite is vitreous (perlitic), with conchoidal fractur-
ing looking like centric facets or onion layers (Ghorbani 1999d). Similar to most
volcanic glasses, perlite is unstable too. Since perlite is a volcanic glass, it starts to
crystallize as time goes by and loses its properties, which is the reason for high-
quality perlites to be found in Tertiary and Quaternary only.
5.27.2 Distribution of Perlite Deposits in Iran
The perlite deposits in Iran are found along with the Tertiary volcanic rocks.
There are volcanic rocks within the perlite-bearing areas of Iran, which are
sometimes mixed with shallow marine sedimentary rocks. These volcanic rocks
include andesite, trachyte, and rhyolite and associated tuff, which belong to
Eocene, Oligo-Miocene, and Mio-Pliocene (Ghorbani 1999d). Since these
volcanic rocks have significant distribution in Iran, it is very likely to identify more
perlite deposits.
Large perlite deposits are seen east of Mianeh–Tabriz road in the Sefid Khaneh area
(46 km northeast of Mianeh) and also in the vicinity of the Tarom Village in west of
Mianeh.
Other promising areas in terms of perlite exploration are Birjand, Ferdows,
Tabas, Naein, Kashan, and Sistan–Baluchestan.
5.28 Dolomite
5.28.1 Mineralization Phases of Dolomite Deposits in Iran
Dolomite is a member of carbonate rocks and is considered as a common marine

sediment. When it comes to exploring the dolomite deposits, the general fallacious
assumption is that they would form wherever and whenever carbonate deposits
form. The studies of dolomitization of carbonate rocks during various geologic
times indicate that the formation of dolomite rocks/deposits similar to other mineral
deposits in the world follows specific rules, which leads to the formation of such
deposits within specific time and places. For example, in most parts of the world,
carbonate rocks display a more significant presence in Triassic. The dolomite depos-
its in Iran can be traced from Late Precambrian to Miocene. However, most of the
dolomite deposits of Iran belong to the following time periods (Ghorbani 2002a).
5.28.2 Distribution of Dolomite Deposits in Iran
Mineralization of Dolomite in Late Precambrian–Early Cambrian: Dolomite rocks

and carbonate sequences are remarkably present during this period of time, and
generally it can be stated that in most parts of Iran where Late Precambrian–Early
Cambrian rocks outcrop, dolomite rocks are also seen. Of dolomite rocks associated
with this time period, those in Soltanieh Formation in Alborz and Azerbaijan, dolo-
mite layers in Barout Formation, and dolomite layers within the Kooshk, Rizoo, and
Dezoo Series in Central Iran are worth mentioning (Ghorbani 2002a).
Mineralization of Dolomite in Paleozoic: Within some carbonate sequences in
Paleozoic of Iran, dolomitic units are present, which are cited next (Ghorbani
2002a):
• Parts of Mila Formation in Alborz belonging to Late Cambrian–Ordovician
• At the base of Nivar Formation in Ozbak Kuh belonging to Silurian
• Parts of Padeha and Sibzar Formations in east of Iran belonging to Devonian
• Parts of Mooli Formation in Azerbaijan (Makoo) belonging to Devonian
• Jamal Formation in Central Iran and east of Iran belonging to Permian
• Locally, in upper part of Ruteh Formation in Sanandaj–Sirjan belonging to
Permian
• Parts of Dalan Formation in Alborz belonging to Permian
Mineralization of Dolomite in Triassic: Most dolomite deposits of Iran belong to
Triassic (Middle Triassic in particular) as dolomite deposits are likely present
wherever Triassic carbonate rocks are found. Some of the dolomite-bearing Triassic
formations are cited next (Ghorbani 2002a):
• Elika Formation in Alborz and Azerbaijan: This formation consists of limestone,
limestone–dolomite, and dolomite. Its upper parts, with age of Middle Triassic,
are more dolomitized as compared to the other parts of the formation.
• Shotori Formation in Central Iran and east of Iran.
• Abadeh area hosts Permian–Triassic Type Section, and those parts of the section
with age of Middle Triassic are dolomitized.
• Khaneh-kat Formation in Zagros with age of Middle Triassic, wherein abundant
dolomite deposits have been reported.
5.29 Tar and Natural Asphalt 191
Mineralization of Dolomite in Jurassic: Dolomite horizons in the Jurassic rocks are

less abundant as compared to the Triassic rocks, but dolomitization is seen in parts
of Jurassic formations (mostly Upper Jurassic), some of which are briefly cited next
(Ghorbani 2002a):
• Mozdouran Formation in Kopet Dagh: Dolomite horizons are found at the base
and middle parts of this formation.
• Lar Formation in Sanandaj–Sirjan Zone: Parts of this formation are dolomitized
in the Kaboudar-ahang area.
• Sourmeh Formation in Zagros: Parts of this formation are dolomitized in the Fars
area.
Mineralization of Dolomite in Cretaceous: Although Cretaceous sedimentary
sequences in Iran are mostly of carbonate type, most of these consist of limestone
with rare dolomitic limestone (Ghorbani 2002a).
Mineralization of Dolomite in Tertiary: Dolomitization scarcely took place in
Tertiary carbonate sequences. However, within some carbonate formations, some
dolomitized areas are seen, which are briefly cited next (Ghorbani 2002a):
• Chehel-kaman Formation in Kopet Dagh: Some parts of this formation are
dolomitized.
• Asmari Formation in Zagros: Sometimes, dolomite horizons are locally seen
within the Asmari Formation (Chenareh area near Andimeshk).
• Jahrom Formation in Zagros: Similar to the Asmari Formation, sometimes dolo-
mite horizons are locally seen within the Jahrom Formation.
• Qom Formation: In Naein and Shemshed-zardireh areas, the upper parts of
the Qom Formation are dolomitized.
5.29 Tar and Natural Asphalt
Application of tar and petroleum seepages goes back to ancient times, when people
in southwest of Iran used these for fuel and medication purposes. In ancient Egypt,
these materials were also used in mummification.
Natural asphalt is a product of crude oil. It forms as it migrates toward the ground
surface (or close to the surface) emplaces in a suitable place and dries up.
As opposed to the old days when natural asphalt was only considered as a fuel
source, nowadays this material is acknowledged as an industrial material. It is only
found in a few countries, and Iran is one of those countries that has numerous tar
and natural asphalt deposits.
5.29.1 Origin of Tar and Natural Asphalt
Almost in all oil fields in the world, the presence and existence of tar and asphalt has
been identified (Ghazvini 2002). Masjed Soleyman is one of these oil fields.
Based on the studies and surveys carried out on various petroliferous basins, the
characteristics of tar and natural asphalt outcrops in Iran are somehow similar to
those studied in Oklahoma in the United States and Maracaibo Lake in Venezuela.
In southwest of Iran (in Naft Shahr in Iran and Naft-khaneh in Iraq), the oil-bearing
layers (which formed oil reserves) underwent structural deformation and folded,
and their oil content seeped to surface. This scenario is in accordance with that of
Venezuela. Nowadays, it is believed that the rupture and tearing up of caprock of oil
reserves and consequently the seepage of hydrocarbon materials led to the forma-
tion of tar and natural asphalt along the edge of continental plates. Such a situation
and condition is traceable in southwest of Iran within some areas such as Ghasr-e
Shirin, Guilan-e Gharb, Soomar, and Dehloran (Ghazvini 2002).
5.29.2 Distribution of Tar and Natural Asphalt

Deposits in Iran
These materials are found in Kermanshah Province (Naft Shahr, Guilan Bakhtar,
and Ghasr-e Shirin), Ilam Province (Soomar, Mehran, Dehloran), and Khuzestan
within Gachsaran, Taleh Zang, and Asmari Formations. The seepages of tar and
natural asphalt originated from the reservoir rocks of Asmari and Taleh Zang.
Table 5.17 shows some tar and natural asphalt deposits of Iran.
The source rocks of the Asmari reservoir in Naft Shahr and anticlines in
Guilan-e-gharb and Soomar underlie TZ2 Member of Taleh Zang Formation,
which formed in Middle Eocene and contains great amounts of organic materi-
als. Shale, marl, and marl rich in bitumen are exposed on the surface near Emam
Hassan Anticline and stretch out in the southeastern direction toward the Anjir-
Kalak area (Ghazvini 2002).
5.30 Dimension and Ornamental (Decorative) Stones
5.30.1 Standards of Dimension Stones
For dimension stones to remain intact during cutting and finishing, they need to
possess certain properties and specifications. These physical and mechanical
properties and specifications have to meet international standards of valid and
credible institutions such as ASTM International. The standard requirements for
dimension stones defined by ASTM International are presented in Tables 5.18, 5.19,
and 5.20 (Kassiani-Avval 2004).
5.30
Table 5.17 Geological characteristics of natural tar deposits of Iran

Probable
Sr. no. Name of deposit Geographic location Host rock reserves (tons) Quality of tar
1 Sadeghi natural tar 9 km to the northwest of Gilan Gharb Gachsaran Formation 91,700 80% Carbon, 0.7% sulfur, 9% ash
2 Goor Sefid (Marjani) 1.1 km to northwest of Gilan Gharb Gachsaran Formation 180,000 83% Carbon, 1.3% sulfur, 4% ash
3 Soomar 8 km to the east of Naft Shahr Gachsaran Formation Unknown 76% Carbon, 1.5% sulfur, 13% ash
4 Palayesh and Yavari 20 km to the northwest of Gilan Gharb Gachsaran Formation Unknown 70% Carbon, 10.5% sulfur, 18% ash
Dimension and Ornamental (Decorative) Stones
5 Ahangaran 30 km to the northwest of Behbahan Gachsaran Formation Unknown Saltwater springs containing tar
(Likak) flow during summer season
6 Mamatin 40 km from Ramhorhoz Gachsaran Formation Unknown Around 8–10 tar springs occur
After Ghazvini (2002)
193
Table 5.18 ASTM required specifications of construction granite

Sr. no. Physico-mechanical specifications Amount Method of experiment
1 Maximum water absorption (weight 0.4 ASTMC 97-96
percentage)
2 Minimum density (kg/m3) 2,560 ASTMC 97-96
3 Minimum compressional strength (MPa) 131 ASTMC (reapproved,
1994) 87
4 Minimum rupture module (MPa) 10.34 ASTMC (reapproved,
1994) 87
5 Minimum erosional strength (hardness) 25 ASTMC (reapproved,
1994) 241-90
6 Minimum bending strength (MPa) 8.27 ASTMC 880-96
Table 5.19 ASTM required specifications of construction limestone

Physico-mechanical specification Amount Classified group Standard of experiment
Maximum water absorption (weight 12 Low density ASTMC 97
percentage) 7.5 Medium density
3 High density
Maximum density (kg/m3) 1,760 Low density ASTMC 97
2,160 Medium density
2,560 High density
Minimum compressional strength 12 Low density ASTMC 170
(MPa) 28 Medium density
55 High density
Minimum rupture module (MPa) 2.9 Low density ASTMC 99
3.4 Medium density
6.9 High density
Minimum erosional strength (MPa) 10 All three groups ASTMC 241
Table 5.20 ASTM required specifications of marble

Physico-mechanical specification Amount Classified group Standard of experiment
Maximum water absorption (weight 0.2 All four groups ASTMC 97
percentage)
Maximum density (kg/m3) 2,595 Calcite ASTMC 97
2,800 Dolomite
2,690 Serpentine
2,305 Travertine
Minimum compressional strength 52 All four groups ASTMC 170
(MPa)
Minimum rupture module (MPa) 7 All four groups ASTMC 99
Minimum erosional strength (MPa) 10 All four groups ASTMC 241
Minimum bending strength (MPa) 7 All four groups ASTMC 880
5.30 Dimension and Ornamental (Decorative) Stones 195
5.30.2 Distribution of Dimension Stones
The most common dimension stones used as façade in buildings are granite, marble,
onyx, travertine, metamorphosed limestone, sandstone, and slate (metamorphosed
shale which is foliated and gives large flat slabs). Iran is among the countries
that possess great potentials and capabilities in the production of dimension
stones. In spite of the relatively large volume of extraction of dimension stones,
these potentials and capabilities did not receive the attention they deserved in the
past decade (Ghorbani 2009b).
There is a wide range of sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic dimension
stones in Iran. The chemical composition and properties, color, and age range of
dimension stones in Iran are very variable, and these characteristics are briefly
described next (Ghorbani 2009b):
1. Igneous rocks – The following types of igneous rocks are found in Iran:
• Intrusive igneous rocks: granitoids (granite, granodiorite, monzonite, and
syenite), gabbro, gabbro–diorites, and ultramafic rocks
• Extrusive and pyroclastic igneous rocks: dacitoids, basalts, andesites, and tuffs
So far, more than 500 bodies of igneous rocks have been identified in Iran. Most
of the intrusive bodies that give away good size and uniform blocks with pleasant
colors belong to Mesozoic and Tertiary, of which some examples are
• Intrusive bodies along Takestan–Tarom–Hashtjin axis, Ahar, and Siyah-rud
• Intrusive bodies within Urumiyeh–Dokhtar axis (in Qom, Natanz, and Anar)
• Granitoids along Zahedan–Saravan axis
• Granitoids and gabbros within Sanandaj–Sirjan (northern Sanandaj–Sirjan in
particular)
• Granitoid and gabbroid intrusive bodies in Masouleh–Astara
• Granitoid intrusive bodies along Karaj–Taleghan–Kelardasht axis
• Small number of intrusive bodies northeast of Iran (Taknar–Binaloud and Kavir–
Sabzevar Zones)
2. Metamorphic rocks: The dimension stones of metamorphic type such as marble,
onyx, schist, hornfels, and gneiss are found in metamorphic areas in west of Iran
like Toyserkan, Mahabad, and Naghadeh. Also, some beautiful schists and
amphibolites have been identified in east of Iran within Birjand and east of Ghaen
areas, which will provide important resources of dimension stones for Iran if the
small-size blocks of these rocks become demandable in the future.
3. Sedimentary rocks – Good-size sedimentary rocks with beautiful colors and tex-
tures have been identified in different stratigraphic horizons, and the most impor-
tant ones are the following:
Crystallized Limestones in Ruteh Formation: These rocks produce very good size
and white blocks in many parts of Iran, especially within the Sanandaj–Sirjan
Zone.
Lar and Delijan Limestone Formations: These rocks produce good-size blocks in
parts of Alborz, Central Iran, and Sanandaj–Sirjan in particular.
Hojedk Sandstone Formation: This formation is in east of Central Iran (west of
Tabas along the Khoor–Tabas road), which produces good-size black blocks.
Cretaceous Limestones: Some Cretaceous limestones in Central Iran, Bafgh,
Kerman, east of Iran, Sanandaj–Sirjan Zone (Esfahan, Neyriz, Piranshahr, and
Kermanshah), and Zagros Zone in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari (Sarvak Formation)
produce good-size blocks in white, gray, and off-white colors.
Fajan Conglomerate: Fajan and Kerman conglomerates in Alborz and Central Iran
produce good-size blocks in beautiful colors.
Qom Formation: Sometimes, Member F of Qom Formation in Central Iran (Abadeh,
Ab-e Garm Qazvin, south of Abhar) produces good-size blocks in yellowish white
to gray color.
Asmari Formation: In some parts of Zagros (Kermanshah, Chaharmahal, Bakhtiari,
Kohkilouyeh, and Boyer Ahmad), Amari limestone produces reasonable good-size
blocks that are suitable for use as façade stones in buildings.
Late Miocene to Quaternary Travertines: During this period, travertine deposits
were formed in some parts of Iran, and some of them produce good-size blocks and
are being exploited.
Dimension stones are considered among the high mining potentials and capabilities
of Iran. Due to the high quality, beautiful color, and texture of dimension stones of
Iran, these resources are distinguished and superior as compared to their counterparts
from other parts of the world, and in some cases, they are one of a kind in the market.
Therefore, the dimension stones industry can be accounted as a strong point of min-
ing sector from different aspects such as exploitation, domestic production, export,
and foreign exchange revenue.
Based on studies, reports, and statistics, the known exploitable dimension stone
deposits of Iran can be summarized as travertine (59 million tons), onyx (3.6 million
tons), marble (500 million tons), crystallized limestone (53 million tons), granite
(60 million tons), and ornamental limestone (100 million tons).
The quantities presented above are a small portion of the proven reserves of dimen-
sion stones in Iran because the actual reserves are believed to be more than sev-
eral billion tons. It can be stated that the dimension stones in Iran are considered as
an endless source of income.
5.31 Rare Earth Elements (REEs) Resources in Iran
No fundamental and integrated exploration work has yet been carried out on REEs
in Iran, and at present, available information about REE is limited to a few reports
and theses (Ghorbani 2011). Some studies on various parts of Iran including Central
5.31 Rare Earth Elements (REEs) Resources in Iran 197
Iran, alkaline rocks in Eslami Peninsula, iron and apatite in Hormuz Island, Kahnouj
titanium deposit, granitoid bodies in Yazd, Azerbaijan, and Mashhad and associated
dikes, and finally placers related to Shemshak Formation in Marvast, Kharanagh,
and Ardekan indicate high concentration of REE in magmatogenic iron–apatite
deposits in Central Iran (Yazd area) and placers in Marvast area in Yazd.
Within Central Iran, significant amounts of REEs are found in phosphate, iron–
phosphate deposits, and apatite-bearing metasomatic rocks in the Esfordi, Lakeh
Siyah, and Gazestan localities, and also in Choghart and Chadormalu apatite-
bearing magnetite deposits (Ghorbani 2011).
Based on the studies carried out on the Esfordi and Lakeh Siyah areas, high
amount of REEs exists in connection with apatite veins, apatite-bearing magnetite
masses, and apatite-bearing actinolite–tremolite deposits. Litho-geochemical stud-
ies on the above-mentioned areas point to a direct relationship between light rare
earth element (LREE) and heavy rare earth element (HREE) themselves and also
between LREE and HREE and the content of phosphorus and calcium. In other
words, with an increase in phosphorus and calcium content, the amount of LREE
and HREE rises as well, which indicates the direct connection between REE min-
eralization and apatites in the area in such a way that sometimes the total amount
of REE in apatite crystals reaches up to 2.5% (Ghorbani 2011).
During the course of these studies, the elements thorium and uranium showed
direct relationship with REE and phosphorus, which could mean the enrichment of
these elements is associated with the metasomatism event in the area (Maghsoudi
et al. 2005). Considering the high concentration of REEs (about 0.5%) in gangue
produced in the Esfordi mine, the exploitation of REE as a by-product from the
Esfordi phosphate mine can be taken into consideration (Ghorbani 2011).
Based on the reports by the National Iranian Steel Company (NISCO 1975),
REE is seen in apatites within Choghart iron deposit. Apatite minerals are of
fluorapatite type and contain monazite inclusions. The amount of REE is 0.5% in
apatites while apatite minerals occupy 5.3% of the ore. In Choghart deposit, LREE
has more concentration than HREE.
Monazite-bearing alluvium in the Marvast area was first studied and identified
within the framework of geochemical exploration of heavy minerals along the
Yazd–Sabzevar axis and within the Marvast 1:100,000 geological map. The result
of these studies showed that the average grade of monazite in Marvast placers was
about 150 g/ton. Europium (Eu) showed notable percentage within Marvast mona-
zite concentrates (Alipour-asl 2003).
Based on the studies by Alipour-e Asl, not much hope exists for the presence of
economically valuable deposits of monazite and REEs within the Marvast area and
other parts of the Sanandaj–Sirjan Zone. However, due to the significant expansion
of Late Triassic–Jurassic sedimentary sequences within the Sanandaj–Sirjan Zone
as well as the high physical and chemical stability of monazite, the existence of
placer-type deposits of monazite is not far-fetched.
Chapter 6
Metallogenic and Mining Provinces,
Belts and Zones of Iran
Abstract Tectonically, Iran is a part of the Alpine–Himalayan belt. The consequences

of most of the orogenic phases recorded in this tectonic belt, especially the Alpine
orogeny, are traceable in Iran. All the Mesozoic and Cenozoic structural divisions of
the country have, in effect, formed or evolved in response to the Alpine–Himalayan
orogeny.
Combining the tectonic and economic evidences available, it can be deduced that
all the areas of the country have been developed under the influence of the Alpine
orogeny, and therefore it is possible to classify various rocks and their associated
mineral deposits into a number of metallogenic divisions based on the developmental
stage of this orogeny. Taking into account the concepts of metallogeny, geological
features, and mineralization characteristics of the deposits, three categories of
metallogenic divisions can be considered for Iran as mentioned below:
1. Metallogenic provinces: Central Iran, Sanadaj-Sirjan, Orumieh-Dokhtar,
Northeastern, Eastern and Southeastern
2. Metallogenic belts: Malayer-Esfahan Lead-Zinc Belt, Kerman Copper Belt,
Esfandaghe-Faryab Chromium-Bearing Ophiolite Belt, Hashtjin-Tarom
Metallogenic Belt, Zagros Oil and Gas Belt, Taknar Belt, etc.
3. Metallogenic zones: Takab, Anarak, Bafq, Tabas, Abadeh, Behabad etc.
6.1 Introduction
Metallogenic investigations are amalgamation of studies in various earth science

disciplines that try to find the natural sequence of processes governing the mode of
formation as well as the spatial and temporal distribution of ore deposits. In view of
metallogeny, it is possible to study orderly distribution of the metallic ores and non-
metallic mineral deposits as well as fossil fuels. Simply put, metallogeny is a
science that discusses what (kind of mineral deposit), where (in which structural
division), when (in which geological period), and how (under the influence of which
factors) mineral deposits form.

200 6 Metallogenic and Mining Provinces, Belts and Zones of Iran
During the first three decades of the twentieth century, metallogeny was used to
combine the mining and geological information in order to direct the exploration
operations. Today, after almost a century of practice, metallogeny attempts to unify
geological insights with tectonic and magmatic views creating various theories of
mineralization.
In order to study and classify the metallogeny of a locality, one has to gather infor-
mation on the stratigraphy, magmatic and metamorphic activities, and tectonic pro-
cesses and recognize all the geological phenomena that have influenced the area.
Metallogenic investigations are in their infancy in Iran and the number of
researchers who have worked on this topic is few. Though preliminary metallogenic
maps presenting limited information on some economically important regions of the
country exist (e.g., Kerman area, Anarak area, Malayer–Esfahan axis), a complete
metallogenic map of Iran is yet to be produced.
This chapter is an attempt to introduce the concept and terminology involved in
metallogeny and lay out the metallogenic subdivisions of the country within the
Alpine–Himalayan orogenic belt.
6.2 Categorization of Metallogenic and Mining Areas in Iran
Metallogenic study in Iran is at the onset of its course, and no metallogenic province,
belt, or area has been defined in Iran to this date. Considering tectono-magmatic,
stratigraphic, and metamorphic events, sedimentary facies, and economic geological
studies, the following metallogenic regions are introduced. This categorization was
presented for the first time in Ghorbani (1999f).
Metallogenic provinces of Iran are as follows (Fig. 6.1):
– Central Iran
– Urumiyeh–Dokhtar metallogenic province
– Sanandaj–Sirjan metallogenic province
– Northeast metallogenic province (Taknar, Kavir, Sabzevar Belts)
– Alborz metallogenic province
– Southeast and east of Iran metallogenic province
– Zagros oil and gas province
– Kopet–Dagh oil and gas province
Metallogenic (mining) belts of Iran are as follows:
– Malayer–Isfahan lead and zinc belt
– Kerman copper belt
– Esfandagheh–Faryab chromite ophiolitic belt
– Khash–Nehbandan Belt (with chromium, copper, and magnesium deposits)
– Qom–Naein Belt (manganese, barite, copper deposits)
– Kavir–Sabzevar Belt (copper, chromium, gold, iron deposits)
– Taknar Belt (copper, gold, arsenic deposits)
6.2 Categorization of Metallogenic and Mining Areas in Iran 201
Fig. 6.1 Structural map, metallogenic and mining provinces
– Tarom–Hashtjin Belt (copper, iron, lead, zinc, gold deposits)

– Maku–Khoy–Urumiyeh Belt (gold, mercury, copper, chromium, iron deposits)
Metallogenic areas are as follows:
– Takab area (gold, arsenic, antimony, mercury, lead, zinc, poly-metal deposits)
– Bafgh area (iron, lead, zinc, apatite, REE deposits)
– Anarak area (copper, lead, zinc, gold, iron, antimony, arsenic deposits)
– Arasbaran area
– Tabas area (refractory, fluorite, manganese, lead, zinc deposits)
– Abadeh refractory material-bearing area
– Kuhbanan–Ravar–Behabad triangle (lead and zinc deposits)
– Qorveh–Asadabad area (antimony, gold, iron deposits)
– Taft area (lead, zinc, copper deposits)
6.3 Metallogenic Provinces of Iran
From the point of global tectonics, Iran is situated in the Alpine–Himalayan tectonic
belt that extends from the Atlantic Ocean on the west to the Pacific Ocean on the
east (Ghorbani 2007a). According to the prevailing views, the Alpine–Himalayan
belt has been formed as a result of the closure of an ancient ocean called Tethys that
trended in the east–west direction in between the then-existing supercontinents,
namely, Laurasia on its north and Gondwana to its south.
Considering the tectonic, magmatic, metamorphic, stratigraphic, and sedimentary
facies characteristics of the rocks of Iran, the metallogenic provinces and zones of
the country may be classified as follows.
6.3.1 Central Iran Metallogenic Province
Central Iran is one of the main and important units that is located in the center of
Iran in the form of a triangle, and according to Boulin (1991), it is situated between
two orogenic belts of Paleotethys (in north) and Neotethys (in south).
The north boundary of this zone borders with Alborz heights and its south–
southwest border meets Urumiyeh–Dokhtar volcanic belt. A series of steep faults,
which were active until Mesozoic, separate the south–southwest part of Central Iran
from Sanandaj–Sirjan (Sengör 1991).
The eastern boundary of this province has not been clearly identified because
some geologists considered the Lut block as a part of Central Iran and some others
recognize it as a separate entity. This zone is the largest and most complicated
geological unit in Iran as it went through numerous incidents and experienced
numerous phases of metamorphic, magmatic, orogenic, and folding activities.
Nogol–Sadat (1978, 1993) has divided Iran into nine major areas, and two lateral
stable cratonic areas (Abadan and Sarakhs) based on evidences such as fortification
6.3 Metallogenic Provinces of Iran 203
of basement of structural stages, stratigraphic sequences, modes of deformation,

magmatic–metamorphic regions, and related mineralization (see Chap. 2 and Fig. 2.2).
According to such divisions, Central Iran covers a large area where deposits from
Precambrian (large thickness) through recent occur.
Central Iran is bounded by the Nayband fault in the east, the Great Kavir
(Dorouneh) fault in the north and northeast, and the Dehshir fault in the west and
southwest. Ophiolites outcrop along these faults (Nogole-Sadat 1993).
According to current information, the oldest rocks within Central Iran belong
to the Kooshk, Rizu, and Dezu Series, which are of volcanosedimentary type. The
volcanic rocks are mostly acidic to intermediate and their nature tends to be alkaline
to calc–alkaline (with age of Late Precambrian) (Hamdi 1995; Aghanabati 2004;
Ghorbani 2012a). In the Bafgh region, a large-scale magmatism with composition of
granite to quartz–porphyry to basic bodies took place, which is equivalent to Dowran
granite (Ghorbani 2002b). The magmatic activities in this period of time coincide
with the beginning of rifting, during which the Kooshk, Rizu, and Dezu Series came
into existence (Ghorbani 2012a). The rocks of the Dezu Series are more basic than
those that belong to the Rizu Series, and they tend to be more alkaline in nature.
Once the volcanic activities slowed down and ceased, the intrusive magmatism
started and granite bodies such as Zarigan with age of 520–540 Ma were formed
(Ramezani et al. 2003). Such granitization led to the fortification of basement of
Iran, and also caused metamorphism.
Widely distributed outcrops of high-grade metamorphic rocks of Precambrian
affinity have not been observed in Central Iran, and the higher grade metamorphism
in Central Iran belongs to younger ages (Houshmand-Zadeh 1997). Concurrent to
the formation of the above-mentioned rocks, mineralization of iron, lead–zinc,
manganese, phosphate, and REE took place at large scale (Ghorbani 2002a).
The Paleozoic deposits in Iran and Central Iran, particularly in the middle
triangle, began with continental facies sediments like red sandstone, which are
covered by a white layer/horizon of quartzite with thickness of 50 m (e.g., Lalun
Formation, Mila Formation, Niur Formation) (Hamdi 1995).
Significant stratigraphic hiatus occurred within Paleozoic in the Late Ordovician–
Silurian and Devonian, which is an evidence of structural movements of Early
Paleozoic (Caledonian), followed by erosion (Haghipour 1977).
To the belief of Haghipour et al. (1979), the movements in these areas were merely
epeirogenic and should not be considered as an orogenic phase of Hercynian.
Moreover, other movements took place at the end of Carboniferous, which led to
a pause in sedimentation in Late Carboniferous (Alavi-naini 2009).
Triassic deposits formed in eastern, central, and western parts of middle triangle,
but they are much more extensive in the eastern part (especially Tabas) as opposed
to the other parts of the triangle, because of the activity of Kalmard, Kuh–Banan,
and Anar faults. The deposits of Middle and Upper Triassic were laid over the other
deposits with a disconformity. The magmatic activities were the result of Early
Cimmerian orogeny, and Esmailabad and Dehbid granite bodies are two examples
related to such magmatic activities (Ghorbani 2002a).
Additional signs and evidences of metamorphism associated with this orogeny
are seen in central part (Saghand in particular) (Aghanabati 2004). Extensive
lead–zinc mineralization occurred in Triassic rocks within Bahabad–Ravar–Kuhbanan

triangle and formed numerous deposits such as Gowjar, Gour, Deh-askar, Taj-kuh,
Bash-koun, Boneh-anar, Gijar-kuh, and Tarz (Ghorbani 2002a).
In most parts of the middle triangle, facies such as sandstone, shale, and marl were
formed during Jurassic. The Late Cimmerian orogenic phase caused facies trans-
formation in these areas during Middle Jurassic. This phase was a compressional
phase accompanied with metamorphism and magmatism, and Shir–Kuh granite
is a product of such activities. This granite body cut through the Jurassic deposits,
while Early Cretaceous deposits overlie it (Aghanabati 1998).
In Early Cretaceous, marine transgression took place within the middle triangle
in a large scale and gave rise to rock facies such as conglomerate, sandstone, and
clastic limestone. At the end of Cretaceous (Maastrichtian–Paleocene), most part of
deposits in the middle triangle underwent severe folding accompanied with meta-
morphism and led to the formation of a disconformity between deposits of Paleocene
and Late Cretaceous (Shemirani 1988).
In parts of the middle triangle, sedimentary facies belonging to Cenozoic
(Paleocene) began to form with basal conglomerate and sandstone. They overlie the
older rocks with disconformity (Hajian 1996). Magmatism in the middle triangle
during Cenozoic took place both internally and externally. Following the compression
phase of Late Cretaceous (Laramid), which was accompanied with metamorphism,
folding and uplifting, and emplacement of ophiolites within the perimeter of the
middle triangle, intrusive bodies with granodiorite composition and calc–alkaline
nature were born (Ghorbani 2002a).
Meanwhile, during Eocene, volcanic activities produced large volumes of volcanic
rocks with composition of andesite–dacite along the faults. Such activities are
extensively seen on east of the Dehshir–Baft fault, and is still going on in the form
of travertine formation (Ghorbani 2003a). Due to younger igneous activities, vast
metallic mineralization such as iron, gold, copper, antimony, lead–zinc occurred in
Anarak area with ultramafic–mafic basement (Ghorbani 2002a).
During Quaternary and concurrent to final shape-up of the highlands, many sedimen-
tary basins lost their connections with seas and turned into vast plains where evaporative
sediments such as gypsum and salt along with clay and marl with desert characteristics
were formed (Ghorbani 2002a). Among the most important deserts in the middle
triangle, Ardekan, Abarghou, Bafgh, and Biyabanak are worth mentioning.
In the following sections, the important areas within this metallogenic province
comprising of Anarak, Takab, and Bafgh are briefly described.
6.3.1.1 Bafgh Metallogenic Area
This metallogenic zone lies in the eastern part of the Central Iran metallogenic
province. The Bafq zone is bounded on the south by the Kuhbanan fault while it is
separated from the Tabas block by the Naein Basement and Kalmard faults on the
northeast. The northern boundary of the zones is marked by the Chapedony and
Saghand–Posht Badam fault, whereas the Kuhbanan fault forms the western limits
(Nogole-Sadat 1993).
Fig. 6.2 Metallogenic map of Bafgh area (Ghorbani 2002a)
The Bafq metallogenic zone is the oldest metallogenic zone of Iran. It belongs
to the Late Precambrian–Early Cambrian times and hosts vast reserves of iron,
lead–zinc, and phosphate (Fig. 6.2).
Tectonically, the Bafgh area is a section of the central part of the Central Iran
tectonic zone. The oldest rocks, which outcrop in Central Iran, are of Late Proterozoic–
Early Cambrian age (Fig. 6.3) and are composed of volcanics, volcanoclastics,
Fig. 6.3 Lithostratigraphy of Precambrian and Cambrian rocks and mineralization associated
with them (Ghorbani 2002a)
detrital, and carbonate (mostly dolomitic) compositions. These rocks are considered as
equivalents of the Morad Series and Kahar Formation by various experts (including
F. Daliran 1990; Momen-Zadeh and Heidari 1995; Heidari 1996; Ghorbani 1999f).
However, the petrological studies do not confirm the alkaline nature of these rocks in
some cases (Heidari 1996). The composition of rocks varies from rhyolite to basalt. But
the majority of the volume of these rocks is andesite and trachyte. Among the oldest
outcrops in the Bafgh area are the Rizu and Dezu Series, which are composed mainly
of volcanics, volcanosedimentaries, and dolomites. These rocks in the Kushk area

overlie “Kushk Series” (Hamdi 1995). Some geologists consider that these rocks
are formed in the rift environment (Daliran 1990; Samimi 1991; Momen-Zadeh
and Heidari 1995; Ghorbani 1999a). Similar rocks are also found in the north of the
Arabian Plate in a rift system (Ghorbani 2002a). Some of the authors consider an
island arc or inter arc basin geological environment for the formation of these rocks
(Heidari 1996).
The intrusive rocks that occur within these rocks are composed of a spectrum
of compositions from granite to gabbro. These intrusive rocks are usually alkaline.
The age of intrusive rocks is 540–600 Ma. The mineralization of Kushk deposit is
considered 580 ± 20 Ma (Romanko quoted by Houshmanzadeh, personal communi-
cations). Based on field observations and laboratory analyses, some of the ore
deposits are genetically related to these old rocks. Pb, Zn, Fe, and Mn are the
elements that make up mineralizations in these rocks. This stage can be considered
as the first mineralization phase. The sediment hosted lead–zinc deposits of the
Bafgh area belong to this phase. The Mishdovan iron and Narigan iron–manganese
mineralizations are also belong to this phase. The iron ore contains some apatite and
is mainly hematite with high Mn-content so that in Narigan it makes up a manganese
deposit. The Ti-content is high and the V content is moderate. The mineralization of
lead–zinc, as well as the iron–manganese, is stratiform to stratabound within the
shales, carbonates, rhyolitic pyroclastics, and lavas and andesitic lavas. The iron ore
is occasionally interbedded with jaspilite (rarely magnetite flow). An intercalation
of evaporates, carbonates and pyroclastic, and detritic rocks covers the above-
mentioned Morad Series (or Kushk Series in the Kushk area) (Ghorbani 2002a).
The micropaleontological studies (Hamdi 1989) indicated an Early Cambrian age
for these rocks. The volcanic activity is continued from Late Precambrian to Early
Cambrian without serious changes in composition.
The alkaline magmatism, expressed mainly by the granite intrusions of Early
Cambrian (540–530 Ma.), is extended in Central Iran, like many parts of the
Gondwana Land. These granites are well exposed in an area from Anarak to
Kuhbanan, as well as in the Bafgh area. The sodic granites of Narigan and Zarigan are
the outstanding examples of these granites. The intrusion of granites is associated by
metamorphism in some parts (Houshmand-Zadeh 1997). This alkaline magmatism is
expressed by intermediate rocks in some areas as well. It seems that this magmatism,
which are considered as the second phase of magmatism and mineralization
(Fig. 6.3), has caused extended iron mineralizations in the Bafgh area, which occurs
after the first phase (Ghorbani 2002a). (The first phase we explained as the main
Zn, Pb mineralization phase.)
The formation of the main iron ore deposits in the Bafgh area is considered to be
related to this second phase. The mineralization in this phase is rich in P and REE so
that the Esfordi phosphate deposit, with very high REE content, has been formed
in this phase. The Chador Malu and Choghart iron ore deposits are also formed in
this phase. Metamorphism and metasomatism are extended in some areas like Esfordi
and Choghart. The metasomatism, which is caused by the second magmatism phase, may
have caused recycling of the iron ore from the first phase and caused an enrichment of
iron in the second phase. Therefore, the iron ores, which are formed in the second
phase, may be the product of both phases (Ghorbani 2003b).
Some riebeckite granites are generated in the second phase of magmatism.
Apatite and REE are associated the granite intrusives, Rizu and Dezu Series, but not
with the rock sequence older than the Rizu Series, that is, the Morad Series and
Kushk Series. The basement in the Bafgh area, on the other hand, seems to be of
ultramafic alkaline nature (Samani 1988; Ghorbani 2002a). These rocks underlie the
above-mentioned old rocks in the Bafgh area. Therefore, it can be said that
the ultramafic alkaline rocks have had an influence in the formation of iron ores
in the Chador Malu, Choghart, Seh Chahun, Esfordi, and Mishdovan deposits.
Tectono-Magmatic Phases in Central Iran: The Bafgh area is characterized by
its iron ore and lead–zinc deposits. Both these deposits are generated in the
Pan-African tectono-magmatic phases, which have occurred between 540 and
640 Ma (Ghorbani 2007c).
The other mineralizations phases in Central Iran are Middle Triassic and Lower
Cretaceous. In Middle Triassic, lead–zinc deposits have formed in Behabad–Kuhbanan
block (east, southeast of the Bafgh area), and lead–zinc and manganese deposits have
been formed in the Yazd block (west of the Bafgh area) (Ghorbani 2002a).
Three tectono-magmatic phases can be seen in the Bafgh metallogenic area as
described next:
(A) Pan-African Tectono-Magmatic Phase: The metamorphosed volcanosedimentary
rocks of Central Iran, which were mentioned earlier, are not well studied from
the tectono-magmatic point of view. Although most experts (e.g., F. Daliran, A.
Houshmandzadeh) consider them as rifting products, they may be also the pro-
ducts of simple pull-apart basin tectonics due to the movement of transform faults
of the Precambrian basement (Ghorbani 2002a). Due to these transform faults, the
Central Iran block is considered to be broken so that Bafgh and its neighboring
blocks, like Tabas and Behabad–Kuhbanan–Ravar blocks, went through different
episodes in the Paleozoic times (Alavi 1993; Nogol 1993). For example, the
Paleozoic rock sequence in the west of the Torkamani fault in the Anarak area is
identical to the Alborz and East Iran rocks. Whereas the rocks between the
Chapedoni and Poshtebadam faults lack, likely, the lower Paleozoic rocks
(Ghorbani 2012a).
(B) Early and Late Cimmerian Orogeny (Tectono-Magmatic) Phases: The Early
Cimmerian orogeny phase is mainly identified by regional metamorphism. The
magmatic activity is not very intensive in this orogeny phase. This phase, in the
Bafgh area, is expressed mainly by a regional metamorphic episode. It is well
recognized in the area east of the Poshtebadam fault. The same orogeny phase
has affected the pink granites of the Pan-African phase (which was mentioned
before) and transformed them to gneiss, like the Zamanabad gneiss in the
Poshtebadam area (Aghanabati 2004; Ghorbani 2012a). These granite–gneiss
rocks show an age of 220 Ma. by K/Ar dating (Emami 2000). The Early
Cimmerian metamorphism does not occur with the same intensity in the whole
Central Iran. It is manifested by a weak metamorphism in some parts. The more
evident effect of this phase is a horst–graben and rough morphology, which has
caused different sedimentary regimes in different parts of Central Iran

(Houshmand-Zadeh and Posht-kouhi 1996). The rapid variation of thickness
and lithology of Biabanak detrital formation (Biabanak shale) is an example.
The thickness of these detrial rocks in west of the Poshtebadam fault is much
more than that in its east side, and the lithology is also different (gray shale in
the west and red sandstone and conglomerate in the east).
As several Zn, Pb occurrences are located in the neighboring area of Bafgh
toward the east, it is of interest to give a general description about their geotec-
tonic position. These deposits are all located in a tectonically discriminated
area, (i.e., the Behabad–Kuhbanan block) from the eastern Bafgh–Saghand
block. The Bafgh–Saghand block, being the tectonic unit which hosts the
Kushk-type Zn, Pb deposits and the iron ore deposits of the Bafgh area, is
confined between the Yazd block from the west, the Tabas block from the east and
the Bahabad–Kuhbanan block from the south east. In the Bahabad–Kuhbanan
block, as opposed to the Bafgh–Saghand block, the uppermost Proterozoic–Lower
Cambrian rocks are absent. The Upper Paleozoic–Triassic rocks, on the other
hand, are extensive. They are composed of shales and sandstones of Devonian
to Permian, the carbonates of Permian (Jamal Formation), the red shales and
sandstones of Permian (Sorkh shale Formation), and the dolomites of Triassic
(Shotori dolomites). Some 40 Zn, Pb occurrences are known, and most of them
are hosted by the Triassic carbonates (Shotori dolomites). The ores are mainly
oxidic and most of them are indeed zinc mineralizations. Some of these
occurrences are Tajkuh, Ahmadabad, Bajgun, Abbid, Tappeh Sorkh, Deh
Asgar, Goejar, Tarzeh, Gowr, Magasu, Gharu, Karvangah, Khorand; Gijar Kuh,
Rig, and Kalaghi. These Lower Triassic hosted mineralizations are indeed
stratabound, occasionally stratiform (Ghorbani 2000e).
(C) Laramide Tectono-Magmatic Phase: The Laramide tectono-magmatic phase
affects Central Iran including the Bafgh area at the end of Cretaceous and begin-
ning of Tertiary. Extended granite–granodiorite bodies have intruded older
rocks during this event. The Chapedoni gneisses are of this type. The dating of
Chapedoni gneisses showed 57 Ma (J., Zhion, China expert, oral talking). This
age is quite different from the previous assumption of the Precambrian age for
these rocks (Haghipour 1974). The Laramide phase has caused extended
mineralizations in the Anarak area (not in the Bafgh area). The Kal e Kafi
Cu, Mo, Au, Khuni Au, Nakhlak Pb, Ag, Talmesi, Cu, and Meskandi Cu
mineralizations are among them.
Conclusions on the Geological Potential of the Bafgh Area: During the Late
Proterozoic–Early Cambrian time, volcanic rocks (mainly felsic and alkalic), mag-
matic and sedimentary iron oxide ore (magnetite and hematite), massive sulfides or
sedex Pb–Zn deposits and magmatic phosphate, uranium and REE formed in Central
Iran, especially in the Bafgh–Poshtebadam area (Ghorbani 2002a). During the same
time, evaporite deposits, sedimentary phosphate, hydrocarbons, and some other
ore mineralizations formed in south, southwest, northeast, and northwest of Iran.
The volcanic rocks, which are associated with evaporite deposits and the evaporites in
the Kerman area, became more abundant and more extensive in the Bafgh–Saghand
area in Central Iran (Hamdi 1995). Iron ores show a good coincidence with the
magmatic rocks. Magmatic phosphorus (apatite), uranium, and REE have also close
coincidence with the magmatic rocks. The exhalative Zn, Pb massive sulfides or sedex
deposits (in Kushk, Chahmir, and Zarigan are classic examples) show a closer
coincidence with the volcanoclastic and sedimentary rocks rather than the intrusives
(Ghorbani 2000c, 2002a). These Zn, Pb do not show direct association with the
magmatic rocks as the iron and phosphorus mineralizations do.
The Zn, Pb mineralizations in the Bafgh area can be considered as a distal pro-
duct of the Pan-African magmatism, with a center where the iron mineralizations,
as magnetite and hematite formed in direct association with the magmatic rocks, as
seen along the Bafgh–Poshtebadam axis (Ghorbani 2000e, 2002a).
6.3.1.2 Anarak Metallogenic Area
This metallogenic zone is located at the center of Central Iran metallogenic

province. The zone is bounded on the north by the extension of the Dorouneh
fault, on the southwest by the Nain–Zevar ophiolite zone, and on the south by
the Nain–Anarak depression. The two basement faults (Dorouneh fault and
Naeen–Shah–kuh fault, which is to the south of Doroneh and parallel to it) prob-
ably pass through this metallogenic zone (Nogole-Sadat 1993).
The Anarak zone, with its characteristic metallogenic, magmatic, and metamorphic
features along with widespread Late Proterozoic rock exposures, forms an interesting
metallogenic zone that holds a number of economically important ore mineral
deposits (Fig. 6.4).
Situated in the middle of Central Iran geological division, the Anarak Metallogenic
Province is bounded on its north by extension of the Darooneh fault, on its south-
west by the Naein–Zavar ophiolitic zone, and on its south by the Naein–Anarak
embayment. The Darooneh fault and the one parallel to it on the south pass through
this metallogenic province (Nogole-Sadat 1993).
Anarak is one of the most interesting metallogenic provinces of Iran from the point
of view of metallogeny, igneous activity, metamorphism, and distribution of Upper
Proterozoic rocks. Detailed geological and metallogenic investigations have been
carried out in the area by Russian geologists under the supervision of the Geological
Survey of Iran, the results of which have been published in the Anarak Metallogenic
Map (Metallogenic Map of Anarak 1984) and briefly described hereunder.
The Anarak metallogenic area has been divided into six blocks by Russian
geologists, namely:
1. Anarak–Khor block
2. Posht Badam block
3. Chah Palang–Bayazeh block
4. Naein–Zavareh Ophiolites block
5. Kuh Dom–Qale Sardar block
6. Late Alpine depression and intramountain basins block
6.3
Metallogenic Provinces of Iran
Fig. 6.4 Schematic view of magmatic and mineralization events in Anarak area (Metallogenic Map of Anarak 1984)
211
Anarak–Khor Block: This oval-shaped block is extended from the northeast to the
southwest measuring 250 km in length and 60 km in breadth. The Biyabanak folded
zone and Chah Palang–Bayazeh block with Cimmerian and Laramide age form
its southern limit. On the west the block is bounded by the Naein–Zavar ophiolite
band, while it terminates into the Oligocene–Miocene molasses of the Lut Desert
northward. The basement rocks of this block are the greenschist facies metamorphic
rocks (epidote amphibolite of Late Proterozoic–Early Paleozoic), which were origi-
nally graywacke, arkose, sandstone, claystones, and basic and ultrabasic volcanics.
Posht Badam Block: This unit is highly metamorphosed and locally turned into
migmatized containing smaller bodies of granitic gneisses and anatactic granites.
The lower parts of the basement rocks are truncated by Posht Badam complex
(which is metamorphosed up to greenschist facies) and small metagabbroic bodies.
The original rocks of the area have been sandstone, meta-diabase, schist, marble,
dolomite, and holnfels in contact with Mesozoic intrusions (varying in age from 140
to 40 Ma) (Aghanabati 2004; Ghorbani 2012a).
Chah Palang–Bayazeh Block: This is a very complex block bounded on its south by
the Anarak–Khor block and on its east by the Biyabanak zone. The block has a
200-m thick Baikalian basement which is folded in many phases and is composed
of marble, schist, and volcanic rocks metamorphosed in greenschist facies (epidote
amphibolite) of Late Proterozoic.
Naein–Zavar Ophiolite Block: Being a part of the Sabzevar–Naein ophiolite zone,
this block has been formed by extrusion of igneous rocks and deposition of marine
sediments during the Late Cretaceous–Eocene times and later on deformed due to
the closure of the basin. Presently, the block exhibits a colored mélange structure.
Kuh Dom–Qale Sardar Block: Kuh Dom is a part of the Central Iran volcanic belt,
and more than 80% of its surface is covered by volcanic rock of Eocene with varying
basement rocks. Qale Sardar overlies folded metamorphic basement, which is not
exposed. The oldest outcrops of the area are Triassic dolomites and Jurassic clayey
shales and sandstones (Shemshak Formation).
Late Alpine Embayment Block: This block covers areas to the north of the Lut Desert
and southwest of Qom–Ardakan.
Faults
The importance of faults in the geological framework of the Anarak metallogenic

zones cannot be neglected. The main faults of the area that control the trend of
mineralization are as follows:
1. Lut desert fault
2. Baba Bozorgi fault
3. Torkamani fault
4. Bayazeh fault
5. Chapdoni fault
Geology of Anarak
The rocks of the Anarak area, also known as Anarak metamorphics, are a part of
Iran basement complex dating back to Late Proterozoic–Early Cambrian. The term
Anarak Metamorphics was introduced by Davoudzadeh (1969) for these rocks and
later on a Russian group used it extensively for the metamorphic rock exposures
of Anarak and Khor regions. The results of investigations carried out by Russian
geologists in Anarak 1:250,000 geological quadrangle show the presence of five
different complexes, namely (Table 6.1),
1. Chah Gorbeh complex
2. Morghab complex
3. Patyar complex
4. Mohammad Abad complex
5. Doshakh complex
Moreover, within the Khor region, the metamorphic equivalents of Anarak are also
divisible into five complexes, namely (Table 6.2):
1. Chah Gorbeh complex
2. Patyar complex
3. Kaboodan complex
4. Doshakh complex
5. Posht Badam complex
The Kaboodan complex is itself divisible into four units, which in ascending order
are schist (equivalent of upper parts of Chah Gorbeh), marble (similar to Lakh Marble
of Anarak), schist–marble, and quartzite (both equivalent to Patyar complex).
Moreover, the Chah Gorbeh complex is found to be equivalent to Mohammad Abad,
whereas Doshakh is part equivalent to Chah Gorbeh and Patyar. Thus, Chah Gorbeh
forms the lowermost section of Anarak metamorphics and Kaboodan can be correlated
with the upper parts of Chah Gorbeh, Lakh marble, and Patyar complex. Further,
Doshakh is part equivalent to all of the above-mentioned complexes. Altogether,
therefore, only seven complexes exist in both Anarak and Khor regions (Table 6.3).
Chah Gorbeh Complex: This complex comprises of five members, which in ascending
order are as follows:
1. Sebarz schist
2. Lower marble
3. Lower schist
4. Middle marble
5. Upper schist
The Chah Gorbeh complex is equivalent to parts of Soltanieh Formation in
northern Iran and Rizoo Series of Kerman Province.
Sebarz Schist: This member forms the lowermost parts of Chah Gorbeh complex
and is dominantly composed of pale green muscovite schists. These are of Late
Proterozoic age and have an average thickness of 1,000 m.
214
Table 6.1 Late Proterozoic–Early Paleozoic stratigraphic column of Anarak Region

Early Cambrian Marble; dolomite 1,000 m 600 m Doshakh Lakh marble Anarak
Late Chlorite–Muscovite and Chlorite– 4,100 m 1,800 complex Mohammad Abad Patyar complex metamorphics
Proterozoic Epidote–Actinolite schist; 2,000 complex Morghab complex
quartzite; marble; dolomite
Muscovite; Muscovite–Chlorite and 3,100
Muscovite–Epidote–Chlorite 3,800
schist; quartzite; marble lenses
6
Muscovite–Shlorite, Epidote– 1,600 Chah Gorbeh complex

Chlorite, Epidote–Actinolite, 2,100
and Muscovite–Carbonate
schist; marble
Muscovite Granite; Granite 950 m Pol Khavand
Gneiss; Amphibole Micaschist
and Micagneiss
Almasian (1998)
Metallogenic and Mining Provinces, Belts...
6.3
Table 6.2 Late Proterozoic–Early Paleozoic stratigraphic column of Khor Region

Ordovician Metamorphosed sandstone; Posht Badam Doshakh Kaboodan Patyar Anarak

phyllite; dolomite; schist; complex complex complex complex metamorphics
metamorphosed volcanics
Cambrian Metamorphosed dolomite,
limestone, and sandstone
Late Proterozoic Schist; marble Chah Gorbeh complex
Jondagh complex
Gneiss; anatactic migmatite; Chapdony complex
amphibolite
Aistov et al. (1984)
215
Table 6.3 Stratigraphic units of Anarak Region

Morghab unit Muscovite, muscovite–chlorite,
epidote–chlorite, chlorite–
epidote–amphibolite schists
Patyar unit Chlorite–muscovite, chlorite–epidote,
actinolite, epidote–albite–amphibole,
chlorite–epidote–emphibole schist;
dark brown dolomitic marble;
black quartzite; quartz schist;
chert intercalations
Lakh marble unit Thinly-bedded white marble; carbonate
schist; schist; boudinage dolomite;
dolomitized limestone; solution,
collapse, and fault breccias
Chah Gorbeh complex Upper schist member Epidote, tourmaline, albite, muscovite–
epidote–glaucophane, chlorite,
muscovite–epidote–albite schist
Middle marble member Metasomatic schists with dolomite
and marble intercalations
Lower schist member Muscovite–albite–epidote, sericite–
chlorite, carbonate schists with
small lenses of marble and quartzite
Lower marble member Metasomatic schist with marble
intercalations
Sebarz schist member Muscovite, muscovite–chlorite,
muscovite–carbonate schist with
small lenses of marble, quartzite,
and ultramafics
Anarak ophiolites Serpentinite; serpentinized peridotite;
gabbro; diabase; small lenses of
listhonite and rodnegite; pillow
lavas; schist intercalations in the
uppermost parts
Almasian (1998)
Lower Marble: Having been formed during Late Proterozoic, it consists of alternating
layers of gray marbles and micaceous schists reaching a total thickness of 700 m.
The marbles show slumping in the form of recumbent concordant folds.
Lower Schist: This member is dominantly composed of muscovite, chlorite, biotite, epidote,
and carbonate schists with intercalations of quartzite and marble. The thickness of the
lower schist member varies between 500 and 600 m and is of the Late Proterozoic age.
Middle Marble: Having been formed in the Early Cambrian times, the middle marble is
made up of gray-layered marbles and schists that measure around 800 m in thickness.
Upper Schist: Epidote, chlorite, biotite, and albite schists with intercalations of
marble and quartzite constitute the upper schists of the Chah Gorbeh complex.
The thickness of this member at the core of Lakh Mount is about 1,500 m and is
equivalent to the upper shale member of the Soltanieh Formation.
Lakh Marble Unit: Overlying the Chah Gorbeh complex is the most prominent
lithological unit of Central Iran, that is, Lakh marble. This unit is equivalent to the
upper dolomite member of Soltanieh in Alborz (Hamdi 1989), the keybed of the
Saghand Region (Haghipour 1974), and the uppermost marble of the Rizoo Series
(Hokride et al. 1964).
Patyar Unit: The most complete section of this unit is located on the east of the
abandoned antimony mine near Patyar. This unit is composed of chlorite, epidote,
mica, and glaucophane schists along with dolomite, quartzite, and cherty dolomites.
Stratigraphically, it is of Early Cambrian age and equivalent to the Baroot Formation
of northern Iran and parts of the Dezoo Series of Kerman (Hokride et al. 1964)
Morghab Unit: The upper unit of Anarak Metamorphics is the Morghab Unit des-
cribed from the outcrops on the north of Moala village. The rocks constituting this unit
are dominantly chlorite, epidote, and mica-schists with numerous quartz veins. It over-
lies the topmost carbonaceous rocks of Patyar unit and is of the Early Cambrian age.
Paleozoic Rocks
The rocks of the Paleozoic Era are widely exposed on the southeast of the
Torkamani–Ordib fault. A complete succession of Paleozoic rocks ranging in age from
the Ordovician to the Permian outcrop around Abdolhossein Mount, which are com-
parable with the Tabas area. It should be mentioned that the rocks of the Shirgesht
Formation lie over the metamorphics of Anarak with an angular unconformity.
Shirgesht Formation (Ordovican): Greenish grey sandstone, conglomerate, tuff, and
ignimberite with limestone intercalations in its lower parts.
Niyoor Formation (Silurian): White and red sandstones, diabase, quartzitic lenses,
and dolomitized limestone.
Padoha Formation (Lower Devonian): Diabase, quartzite, and dolomitic limestones.
Sibzar Dolomite (Middle Devonian): Dolomite and dolomitic limestone.
Bahram Limestone (Upper Devonian): Dominantly composed of limestone and
dolomitized limestone with marly intercalations.
Shishtoo Formation (Carboniferous): Mainly consists of limestone, sandstone,
siltstone, and shale.
Sardar Formation (Carboniferous): Dark limestone and shale with limey
intercalations.
Jamal Formation (Permian): Limestones.
Mesozoic Rocks
The Permo–Triassic rocks outcropping to the south of Abdolhossein Mount

correlate well with the Shotori Formation of Tabas. The Chah Palang Formation
(Jurassic–Cretaceous) has limited exposures in and around the abandoned mines

at Torkamani and is dominantly composed of sandstones and fine-grained
conglomerates.
The Cretaceous rocks of the Anarak–Khor region are the most prominent
Mesozoic rocks with considerable exposure in the Khor area. Overall, seven
formations of Cretaceous age have been recognized that can be grouped into two
categories, namely, Lower and Upper Cretaceous. The Lower Cretaceous succession
consists of orbitoline limestone, sandstone, marl, and conglomerate while the Upper
Cretaceous sequence is made up of limestone, sandstone, and conglomerate.
Cenozoic Rocks
Having considerable exposures in the Anarak area, the Cenozoic succession is

mainly clastic in nature and has substantial exposures. It can be divided into the
following:
1. Kerman conglomerate (Paleocene): Conglomerates, sandstones, and occasional
limestone layers.
2. E1a unit (Lower Eocene): Trachyandesites, trachytes, shaushonite, tuffaceous
andesite, tuffite, and sandstone.
3. E2a unit (Lower Eocene): Andesites, tuffs, and andesite–basalts.
4. Sahlab Formation (Middle and Upper Eocene): Conglomerate, marl, and
sandstone.
5. E0 Unit (Upper Eocene–Lower Oligocene): Sandstone, marl, and conglomerate.
6. Lower Red Formation (Oligocene): divided into three sections, namely:
(a) O1c made up of conglomerate and sandstone.
(b) O1sm made up of sandstone, marl, and conglomerate.
(c) O1m made up of sandstone, marl, and limestone.
Quaternary Rocks
The rocks of this time interval can be grouped into three main categories as follows:
1. Ancient Quaternary: Alluvial and fluvial sediments consisting of gravel, sand
(sometimes accompanied with chalk), coarse sand, and conglomerate.
2. Young Quaternary: Alluvial and fluvial sediments consisting of gravel, sand,
clayey sand, conglomerate, lake, and Aeolian sand.
3. Recent Sediments: Fluvial sediments, gravel, clayey sand, salty clayey sand,
aeolian sand, and conglomerate.
Igneous Activity
Widespread igneous activity accompanied by large-scale mineralization is seen

throughout the Anarak area (Table 6.4).
6.3
Table 6.4 Major phases of igneous activity and mineralization in Anarak

Igneous phase Rock types Age Main elements and minerals
Middle Alpine A series of volcanic rocks along with Paleogene Cu, Au, Zn, Fe, Ag, Bi, Ni,
their plutonic associates (including FeS2, Barite, Alunite,
andesite–basalts, rhyolite–trachyte, Bentonite, Te, Mg
acidic, and basic intrusives)
Laramide Early Alpine Ophiolitic suite Early Cretaceous FeS2, Cu, Mn
Acidic to intermediate intrusives Triassic–Jurassic Zn, Pb, Cu
Caledonian–Hercynian Volcanosedimentary rocks Paleozoic No mineralization
Pan-African Metamorphosed mafic and ultramafic Early Cambrian–Late Proterozoic Pb, Zn, Fe; high concentration
rocks along with migmatites and of Sb, Ni, Co, Mn, Ag,
anatactic granites Au, and Bi
219
Though there are traces of igneous activity throughout Late Precambrian–Neogene,

the major phases can be categorized as follows.
Late Proterozoic–Early Cambrian Phase: This phase resulted in the formation of
mafics, ultramafics, basic tuffs, and anatactic granites and is most probably associated
with the continental rifting during Late Precambrian–Early Cambrian.
Mesozoic Phase: The Mesozoic igneous rocks of Anarak can be grouped into two
categories:
1. Acidic to intermediate intrusive rock (Triassic–Jurassic) with a compositional
range of granodiorite–granite, syno–granite, quartz diorite, and plagiogranite.
2. Igneous rocks belonging to ophiolite suites (Cretaceous) including dunite, herz-
burgite, plagiogranite, spillite, cratophyre, basalt, diabase, rhodengite. These
are emplaced in the Naein–Zavar block and are associated with chromite,
manganese, and copper mineralization.
Cenozoic Phase: The rocks of this phase have been dominantly formed in Eocene
times and constitute the majority of the igneous rocks of the Anarak area. They
include extrusive (andesite, basalt, trachyte, trachyandesite, and rhyolite) and intru-
sive (monzonite, grano–synite, diorite, and granodiorite) igneous rocks. Extensive
mineralization of copper, molybdenum, nickel cobalt, bismuth, lead–zinc, gold, etc.,
has taken place along with the Cenozoic phase of igneous activity.
Mineralization in Anarak Metallogenic Province
Anarak is one of the richest metallogenic provinces of Iran from the point of view
of the diversity of mineral species and shows well-defined metallogenic zones
(Fig. 6.5). Moreover, it is one of the oldest mining localities of Iran, and modern
mining operations began operating from this province.
Mineralization in the Anarak area from the point of view of mineral types and
their origins, habits, and paragenesis is much varied, so that a large number of iron,
copper, molybdenum, antimony, gold, lead–zinc, arsenic, nickel, cobalt, manganese,
chromite, and strontium mineral bodies have been observed till date, which all
have different modes of origin such as hydrothermal, sedimentary, magmatic,
metamorphic, etc.
Copper Mineralization
It is a widespread mineralization event in the area. Apart from the ore deposits
that are specific copper minerals, many other polymetallic and complex deposits
(e.g., Cu–Mo, Cu–Ni–Co) have also been reported that can be categorized under
hydrothermal deposits into plutogenic, volcanogenic, metasomatic, telethermal,
and skarn as follows.
6.3
Fig. 6.5 Metallogenic zoning of Anarak area (Technoexport 1984)
221
Plutogenic Deposits: These deposits are usually associated with Tertiary magmatic
activity, for example, Kuh Dom, Kal Kafi, Khonj, and Tale Siyah intrusives.
Copper mineralization of this type occurs in granitoids, metamorphic aureoles, and
rocks situated at a definite distance from the plutons in the form of mineral-bearing
metasomatic zones and fault-associated veins.
Metasomatic Deposits: The type of copper deposition usually occurs in parallel
with metasomatism of the host rock. The veins are covered with a thin layer of
metasomatic material on their margins and show scattered mineralization, while the
veinlets have their ores in the form of layers or masses. The most common type of
ore mineral is chalcopyrite while bornite, chalcocite, covellite, native copper, galena,
sphalerite, molybdenite, and gold occur on its side.
Volcanogenic Deposits: Some of the volcanic areas of Eocene time are important
from the point of view of copper mineralization. Most of these areas have their ore
deposits limited to volcanic rocks and their associated fault system. The ore deposits
are in the form of stockworks and veins, the former being accompanied by host rock
metasomatism, thus producing a compositionally uncomplicated ore with chalcocite,
chalcopyrite, covellite, bornite, and native copper along with some oxide minerals.
Telethermal Deposits: This type of mineralization mostly occurs within the Anarak
area proper. The major telethermal copper deposits are formed in the Anarak–Khor
block in the basement or its overlying Oligocene–Eocene strata. Nevertheless,
the telethermal copper have also been reported from the fault zones of Kuh Dom
volcanic rocks.
The distinction between telethermal and volcanogenic mineralization is not
an easy task, but the former are usually vein-type deposits showing stratiform
and linear mineral zone characteristics, whose host rocks have not been metaso-
matized much.
The ore accumulations mostly contain pyrite, chalcopyrite, and chalcocite.
The cobalt content of these deposits varies from 0.08 to 10 while silver and lead
show nominal concentration and zinc, arsenic, manganese, and strontium are locally
present.
Copper–Molybdenum Mineralization: Like copper mineralization, deposition of
copper–molybdenum is associated with Eocene granitic intrusions, but is limited to
the Kal Kafi area. The host rocks of Kal Kafi are schists and marbles of Late
Proterozoic. Veins of this type have been reported from the junction of two fault
system occurring within aplitic–granitic dikes and porphyritic granodiorites where
the surrounding rocks have undergone hydrothermal metasomatism.
Lead–Zinc Mineralization: The mineralization of lead and zinc was very widespread
in the Anarak area where the deposits of these two metals are morphologically and
mineralogically very diverse. Genetically speaking, all the processes that have led
to lead–zinc mineralization were hydrothermal in nature and can be grouped
into three different groups, namely, plutogenic, volcanogenic, and telethermal.
Nevertheless, minor skarn processes of lead–zinc mineralization have also been
observed.
All the ore deposits possess varying amounts of lead–zinc and silver with
occasional copper. Based on this characteristic, the ore bodies have been classified
into the following:
1. Group A: with high lead content (Pb:Zn is around 1:0.1–0.2), for example, Rizab
Maryam, Aroosan, Zeh, Namak, Gorgab III, Bandkal II, etc.
2. Group B: with equal amount of lead and zinc, for example, Chah Mileh, Negin,
Goorche, Berenj II, etc.
3. Group C: with subordinate lead content (Pb:Zn is around 1:3–1:12), for example,
God, Pis Kuh, and Chah Gorbeh.
In all the above-mentioned groups, the silver content varies from 1 to 100 g per
ton of lead–zinc ore.
Iron Mineralization: The ore deposits and indication of iron within the Anarak
Metallogenic Province have been attributed to hydrothermal, volcanogenic, and
skarn process and have been the center of attention in the past due to the high
manganese content.
The hydrothermal iron occurs in small deposits in the form of short veins of
quartz, hematite and occasionally siderite. On the other hand, the volcanic rocks of
the Eocene times host the volcanogenic irons in their crushed zones. The skarn-type
iron is seen along the outer contact of Eocene granitoids and is of contact metaso-
matic magnetite type.
The largest skarn iron is North Chah Palangi, which occurs within Upper
Proterozoic–Lower Paleozoic rock successions and is metamorphosed.
Chromium Mineralization: Small scattered chromite bodies have been reported from
the Naein–Zavar block within the dunite herzburgite rocks of this metallogenic
province.
Manganese Mineralization: Occurring in the form of small ore deposits and
indications, the manganese deposits of Anarak are dominantly of hydrothermal
type. Mineralization (both carbonaceous and oxide type) has resulted in the
formation of carbonate ore deposits of iron and manganese, which include
manganese-bearing ankerite and siderite and metasomatically altered dolomites.
The manganese content of these rocks varies between 2 and 4 while that of iron
ranges from 15 to 20.
Oxide ores with high manganese content occur in the form of veinlets with their
largest measuring 50 m in length and 0.4–3.5 m in thickness. They consist of
pyrolusite (up to 35), psilomelane (45), other manganese minerals (10), and quartz
(10) with an average manganese content of 23.1. The total amount of oxide ore of
manganese is estimated at 15,000 tons and that of carbonaceous iron–manganese at
ten million tons.
Sedimentary manganese deposits are reported from the western parts of the Anarak
Province in the base of the Oligocene–Miocene limestones of Qom Formation, where
two manganese-bearing strata have been observed. In the lower stratum, manganese
mineralization is in the form of thin lenses of pyrolusite within the conglomerates
of Qom Formation. The thickness of ore layer varies from 1.5 to 3 m while its length
is about 1.4 km. The upper horizon that measures 1–1.5 m in thickness and extends
for 1.8 km occurs in the top 20 m of the organic limestone layer and is in the form
of mixed pyrolusite–pyrite nodules. Locally, veins of pyrolusite are also seen in the
limestones. The manganese content of the upper manganese stratum is estimated
between 0.7 and 1.2.
Polymetallic Mineralization: Another characteristic of Anarak Metallogenic
Province is the existence of polymetallic mineralization of the following types:
– Pyrite Mineralization along with Ag, Au, Mo, Zn, Pb, and Cu: Being of
volcanogenic-hydrothermal origin, this type of mineralization is reported
from trachyandesites, andesite basalts, and occasionally volcanosedimentary
dacites. The only exception is that of Chah Sefid, which is associated with Upper
Cretaceous cratophyres.
– Polymetallic Stratiform Mineralization along with Cu, Pb, Zn, Au, Ag, and Sr:
This type of polymetallic mineralization occurs in Lower to Middle Eocene and
Eocene–Oligocene volcanosedimentary rocks located on the southern extension
of rupture on North Anarak Mountains. Mineralization is limited within thinly-
bedded sandstone, limestone, and sometimes conglomerate.
Molybdenum Mineralization: Occasional molybdenum mineralization has been
reported from the outer contacts of Kal Kafi intrusive and Eocene volcanics on the
western parts of Anarak Province. The metal occurs in high concentrations within
silicified fault zones that bear minor sulfides.
Tungsten Mineralization: Chah Palang is the only ore deposit that bears tungsten. It
is in fact a copper–tungsten ore body placed within highly-deformed clayey–sandy
rocks of Triassic–Jurassic (Shemshak Formation). Minor quantities of scheelite also
occurs in the eastern contact of Kal Kafi intrusive (skarn zones) and Kuh Dom
(quartz–scheelite veins).
Bismuth Mineralization: Various amounts of bismuth minerals are reported from a
number of polymetallic ore deposits such as Tal Siyah, Kuh Dom, Khooni, Kal Kafi,
Gorgab IV, Chah Palang, etc.
At the outer margin of Kal Kafi intrusive, weak bismuth mineralization is seen
along with molybdenum, gold, tungsten, and copper. Bismuth occurs in the form of
high-grade aureoles at the center and the western parts of the Kuh Dom volcanic
zone near the Gorgab intrusive body. In the pyrite mineralization zone of Eocene
volcanic rocks of Kuh Dom, Gorgab and Kuh Yakhab, scattered anomalies of
bismuth, copper, lead–zinc, molybdenum, and silver exist while at Chah Ali Khan
gold–quartz veins, a copper–bismuth anomaly has been reported. High concentra-
tion of bismuth (along with silver, antimony, lead, and zinc) also occurs near the
granitic gneiss intrusives of the Torkamani fault zone.
Mercury Mineralization: Minor mercury mineralization has taken place along large
fault structures; silicification along the intersection of north–south and east–west
trending faults is accompanied by 0.001 concentration of mercury in bands measur-
ing 2–200 m in width and 0.5 km in length.
Antimony Mineralization: Occurring on the east of Anarak, Patyar, and Torkamani

deposits that have been mined in the past show trends of antimony mineralization.
Both these deposits possess antimony–quartz of telethermal origin.
Strontium Mineralization: Celestine occurs in some of the ore deposits and indica-
tions of the northern parts of Anarak Metallogenic Province. Celestine mineralization
is limited to the evaporitic limestones in the lower parts of Qom Formation
(Oligocene–Miocene). In spite of lithological and stratigraphical limitation, celestine
seems to be of epigenetic (telethermal) origin, formed due to pore filling and meta-
somatic replacement of carbonate rock on the basis of habit, texture, and structure.
Gold Mineralization: Extensive gold mineralization is believed to have occurred in
Anarak with the most prominent cases occurring within quartz veins, granitoid bodies
(Kuh Dom, Eastern Khooni), Eocene intrusives and extrusives (Chah Alikhan), and
serpentinized hyperbasalts (Sebarz fault zone). Apart from these, gold also occurs in
the form of characteristic indications (gold content varying between 1 and 4.2 ppm,
occasionally reaching 26 ppm) within polymetallic Khooni, Gorgab II, and Kal Kafi
deposits. Moreover, small amount of gold (around 1 ppm) is reported from Cu–Ni–Co
polymetallic deposits (God Morad, Sebarz), copper deposits (Douma, Tal Siyah),
pyrite (Gorgab, Mazra’e, Zavar), lead–zinc deposits (Gourche, Berenj I and II, Zeh,
Goud), antimony deposits (Torkamani), tungsten (Chah Palang), and other minerals.
Silver Mineralization: Silver is found in varying amounts (from a few grams/ton to more
than a kilogram/ton) in the polymetallic and lead–zinc deposits. There is a definite order
in the occurrence of silver within various ore deposits so that the maximum amount of it
(1 kg/ton) is reported from the Band Gol II, Aroosan, Nakhlak, and Zeh ore deposits.
Mineralization of Nonmetals: Small deposits and occurrences of nonmetallic
minerals have been reported from Anarak Metallogenic Province. To name a
few, muscovite, hydromagnesite, montmorillonite, gypsum, anhydrite, halite, and
turquoise. Most of these have been excavated in the past and at present limited
mining activity is undergoing in these areas.
6.3.1.3 Takab Metallogenic Area*
In two separate time intervals, one during the Late Precambrian–Early Cambrian
and the other at Tertiary (Neogene), the prevailing geological conditions, namely,
tectonic, magmatic, metamorphic, stratigraphic, and mineralogic characteristics,
have made Takab quadrangle one of the most important metallogenic provinces of
the country with no compare.
General Geology of Takab Region
Lithostratigraphy: Igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks ranging in age

from Late Precambrian to Quaternary outcrop in the Takab Region. The spatial
*
The whole section is from Ghorbani 1999f
and temporal distribution of these rocks is not uniform. Stratigraphically, rocks

belonging to Late Precambrian–Early Cambrian and Oligocene–Miocene inter-
vals of time are more extensive in terms of areal distribution and lithological
variations.
Alavi and Bolourchi (1982) have divided Precambrian rocks of Takab quadran-
gle into three categories:
1. Metamorphic rocks including amphibolite, marble, mica-schist migmatite of
greenschist and amphibolite facies underlying lowly metamorphosed Kahar
Formation, forming the basement complex and being exposed in Azerbaijan, are
considered as the oldest rocks of Iran.
2. Low-grade metamorphics of clastic and tufaceous origin named Kahar Formation
are widespread on the east and west of Takab quadrangle.
3. Doran granites.
The results of investigations reveal that the ages assigned to rocks considered
older than Kahar Formation are just based on their degree of metamorphism and
not on the fossil content or radiometric dating. The paleontological evidence
presented by Hamdi (1995) and the field observations by the present author
(1999) indicate that these rock are not older than Kahar Formation and in
places are equivalent to topmost beds of Kahar. Moreover, rocks formerly
thought to belong to Late Precambrian–Early Cambrian Doran Granites are not
everywhere the same; only some outcrops resemble Doran type lithologically but
are much younger in age. Therefore, rocks belonging to Kahar Formation along
with those of Qareh Dash Series, Doran Granite, and Bayandor Formation are all
of Precambrian age.
Additionally, there are problematic rock exposures in the central Takab Region
of Late Precambrian–Early Cambrian age that cannot be differentiated readily and
hence are referred to as Upper Precambrian–Lower Cambrian rock.
Soltanieh Formation: This formation is very widespread in Takab quadrangle and
conformably overlies Kahar Formation. In the central parts of the quadrangle,
Soltanieh Formation is traceable but with a different facies. In fact, all the marbles
marked on the 1:250,000 map of Takab belong to Soltanieh Formation. Based on
their fossil content, an Early Cambrian age is assigned to these rocks.
Baroot Formation: The exposures of Baroot Formation in Takab quadrangle are
limited to the northeast of Shahin Dezh only.
Takab Complex Series: The rocks belonging to this series are confined to the central
part of the quadrangle map. Alavi and Bolourchi (1982) have described the present
series as comprising of four complexes:
1. Sursat Mount complex with mica-schist, gneiss, migmatite, and quartz-schist
rocks, being exposed on the northwest of Takab and east of Shahin Dezh around
Zikandi, Khangholi, and Khazaei villages.
2. Mahneshan complex comprising of Poshtkuh marble and Aghkand gneiss on the
east of Mahneshan.
3. Kheirabad complex comprising of Angooran gneisses, schists, and marbles

occuring near Kheiabad village.
4. Amirabad complex with gneiss, migmatite, and mica-schist rocks around
Amirabad village.
The last three complexes are classified by Ghorbani (1999f) within one Great
Precambrian–Cambrian Takab complex. He further considered the whole structure
as being confined to the central part of the quadrangle calling it the central great
complex of Takab quadrangle. As stated earlier, these rocks (marked “PCM” in
Fig. 6.6) have been regarded as Precambrian rocks older than Kahar in age but
recent work by Ghorbani (1999f) revealed that they are equivalents of Upper Kahar,
Soltanieh, and Baroot Formations.
It must be noted that the rocks of Takab complex are only age-equivalents of Upper
Kahar, Soltanieh, and Baroot, but differ greatly with the said formations in Alborz and
Azerbaijan, taking into account facies, lithology, and degree of metamorphism. However,
there exist certain similarities between them and the exposures in Anarak Region.
The rocks of Takab complex play an important role in interpretation of metallo-
genic characteristics of the area as well as elucidating the tectonic and magmatic
conditions prevailed during Late Precambrian–Early Cambrian times in Iran and
can be classified as follows:
1. Rocks with ultramafic, mafic, and volcanoclastic (basic tuffs) origin that are seen
today as schists, serpentinite, amphibole–epidote schist, chlorite schist, epidote–
amphibole schist, epidote–actinolite schist, amphibolite, actinolite–tremolite
amphibolite, garnet amphibolite, and orthogneiss. Wherever they occur, these
rocks are all important from the metallogenic point of view.
2. Rocks of sedimentary origin, mostly of pelitic and carbonaceous type, that appear
within carbonate–pelitic and graywacke sequences.
Most of the rocks of the above-mentioned groups have metamorphosed within
greenschist and amphibolite facies. Rocks of the first group mostly underlie rocks
of the second group with a gradational contact so that at places the topmost layers
of the first group have carbonaceous intercalations.
Zaigoon and Laloon Formations: These rocks occur mostly to the north of Shahin
Dezh. Wherever the rocks of Zaigoon and Laloon Formations (especially the latter)
crop out, they are similar to the exposures of Alborz and Azerbaijan.
Upper Paleozoic
The only Upper Paleozoic rocks that are exposed within the quadrangle map belong
to Permian having two different facies, namely, clastic (Dorood Sandstone
Formation) and carbonaceous (Rooteh Limestone Formation). A suite of igneous
rocks are associated with these rocks everywhere. The most important characteristic
of the Upper Paleozoic rocks of the area is the presence of a fireclay horizon
(Permo–Triassic in age).
Fig. 6.6 Metallogenic map of Takab area
b46° 30’ a
48° 00’ 46° 30’ 48° 00’
37° 00’ 37° 00’37° 00’ 37° 00’
N A
C Ba
Zarrineh Rud
Shahin
Dezh
Takab Saruq Rud

Takab
A
D
Bb
36° 00’ 36° 00’
Sub - Zone Al Limits of tectonic zones (A, B, C, D)
Sub - Zone S-S Fault River
Structural - Zone C-I 0 10 20 30 40 50km Strike Road
Fig. 6.7 Structural units in Takab region (a) by Alavi and Bolourchi (1982); (b) by Ghorbani (1999f)
Mesozoic
Similar to the above-mentioned category, the Mesozoic rocks of Takab quadrangle

area crop out dominantly on the east, that is, to the north and south of Shahin Dezh.
Mesozoic rocks also occur on the east of Mahnehsan where they overlie the
Permians. However, they are absent in the central parts of the quadrangle.
Tertiary
The overall effects of stratigraphic phenomena, facies conditions, and tectonic

forces during Tertiary could be grouped into three different intervals.
1. Paleocene–Eocene rocks of Shahin Dezh area that resemble to those of south
central Alborz lithologically.
2. Oligocene–Miocene rocks whose outcrops come next to Precambrian–Cambrian
rocks area-wise. In the central parts of the quadrangle, they are more extensive
than Precambrian–Cambrian rocks and overlie the latter. Lithologically, lavas,
tuffs, and tuffaceous rocks dominate over sedimentary rock successions.
3. Pliocene–Quaternary rocks that have considerable extension over the area of the
quadrangle overlie the older rocks with an angular unconformity.
Structural Geology
Takab quadrangle is very interesting from the structural point of view. Geologically
and structurally, parts of the quadrangle map are closely associated with Central
Iran, while others closely resemble Alborz and Sanandaj–Sirjan. Major structural
features such as horsts, grabens, unconformities, thrusts, and orogenic phases (espe-
cially younger Alpine phases) are visible in the area.
Alavi and Bolourchi (1982) tectonically divided Takab quadrangle into five zones
denoted by A, C, Ba, Bb, and D as seen in Fig. 6.7a. The description of each zone
is discussed in detail in the report accompanying the map of the area. The present
author believes that there are no structural and geological differences between
Ba and C zones, or A and Bb zones. Thus, on the basis of stratigraphic, magmatic,
sedimentary, structural, and overall tectonics, Takab quadrangle can only be divided
into two different subzones and one zones as illustrated in Fig. 6.7b.
1. A1 subzone, which is geologically very similar to Alborz and resembles it. This zone
covers the northeastern and northwestern marginal parts of Takab quadrangle.
2. C-I zone, which shows all the geological characteristics of Central Iran. This zone
covers the central parts of Takab quadrangle and forms the main metallogenic
region.
3. S-S subzone, which possesses all the prominent aspects of Sanandaj–Sirjan zone
and can be considered to be a part of it. It covers the southeastern part of the
quadrangle.
Of the above-mentioned zones, C-I zone and S-S subzone, though basically
different, have certain characters in common, but the A1 subzone is totally different
from the other two zones.
The faults within the quadrangle area can be divided into two groups, namely,
those trending northwest–southeast, having formed in Precambrian times, which
can be traced in an en echelon pattern outside Takab quadrangle; and those trending
northeast–southwest perpendicular to the first group, having formed in Mesozoic
times. The Tertiary metamorphism in the Takab area is closely associated with these
two groups of faults especially with their points of intersection
Orogenic Phases
Most of the orogenic phases and tectonics upheavals that are reported from Central
Iran can be traced in Takab quadrangle especially in the C-I zone. The most impor-
tant deformation phases in the area are as follows.
Late Precambrian–Cambrian Orogenic Phase: An extensional phase of deformation
has taken place in Takab during Late Precambrian whose effects can be traced
up to Central Iran. This has resulted in the formation of a rift in Central Iran that
was active in Late Precambrian–Cambrian and extended well into the C-I zone of
Takab quadrangle. Subsequently, a compressional phase of deformation occurs,
which results in northwest–southeast trending en echelon faults, thus reducing the
width of the C-I zone. The compressional phase has risen the C-I zone in the form
of a horst emerging it from under the sea. It has also produced metamorphism at
regional scale within the area.
The Late Precambrian–Cambrian orogeny culminated before the deposition of
Laloon sandstone. It is equivalent to the Pan-African orogeny that took place
between 630 and 530 Ma worldwide.
Mesozoic (Cimmerian and Laramide) Orogenic Phase: This phase of deformation
has dominantly affected the S-S and A1 zones and includes the following processes:
1. Faulting and jointing with a northeast–southwest trend.

2. Unconformities and hiatuses within Mesozoic and Tertiary rocks.
3. Slate and greenschist facies metamorphism within S-S zone.
Tertiary Orogenic Phase: Contrary to the Mesozoic orogeny, the Tertiary phase has
put its signature all over the Takab area, but is more evident in the C-I zone. For the sake
of convenience, the Tertiary orogenic phase is divided into the following stages:
1. Paleocene orogeny, which is a continuation of the Laramide orogeny of Mesozoic
Era, has resulted in the emergence of land areas within the S-S and A1 zones.
2. Eocene–Early Oligocene orogeny, whose signature can be traced all over Takab
quadrangle, is an extensional stage and corresponds to the extensional phase of
deformation within Central Iran.
3. Late Oligocene–Early Miocene orogeny, associated with increasing depth of
the sea due to extension and subsidence, thus replacing the red continental sedi-
ments with limey–marly successions. The sequence is composed of limestones
intermingled with volcanics such as tuffs and tuffites extending up to the end of
Burdigalian.
4. Therefore, the rocks corresponding to Qom Formation are mostly volcanic in
origin. Tuffs and tuffites are dominantly seen within the C-I zone. However, the
lavas outcrop along the northwest–southeast trending faults, especially at the
junction of two sets of fractures.
5. Middle Miocene orogeny, which is reflected in the change of limestone facies to
silty and clayey conglomeratic sandstones.
6. Late Miocene–Early Pliocene orogeny, being the most effectual tectonic phase
within Takab quadrangle, is most evident in the C-I zone. It includes deformation
and folding of older sediments (especially the Oligocene–Miocene rocks) pro-
ducing the present morphological features. The angular unconformity between
Oligocene–Miocene rocks and the overlying Pliocene conglomerates, extensive
magmatic activities, formation of various ore deposits (gold, arsenic, antimony,
iron, lead and zinc), a change from extension to compression mode of deforma-
tion resulting in faulting and overthrusting with northwest–southeast trend, and
doming up of salt deposits of Middle Miocene age are all consequences of this
stage of orogeny.
Igneous Activities
The Takab area has experienced widespread magmatic activity from Late Precambrian
to Quaternary. During some intervals of time, for example, Late Precambrian–Early
Cambrian and Oligocene–Miocene, the magmatic processes have dominated the
geological phenomena acting in the area. The magmatic activities of the Takab
area can be classified into the following.
Late Precambrian–Early Cambrian: The magmatic activity that took place at this
time interval can be divided into two types: acidic magmatism with intrusives
dominating over extrusive rock types, for example, Doran-type granites and Qare
Dash Formation, and mafic–ultramafic magmatic activity with volcanism as the
prevailing process. All the igneous activities of this time period within Takab quad-
rangle can be related to a rift on the basis of lithology, geochemistry, metallogeny,
and field evidences. The rifting started in the Late Precambrian and ended by Early
Cambrian also affecting Central Iran.
Magmatism and associated metamorphism has produced small bodies of
granitoids (tonalites and alkaline granites) similar to Doran Granites. According to
Ghorbani (1999f), the formation of such igneous bodies seems to be associated with
metamorphic activities occurring at two time intervals: Late Precambrian–Early
Cambrian corresponding to the closure of the rift, and Eocene–Oligocene related to
a core complex.
Cretaceous: Scattered volcanic rocks belonging to Cretaceous times are seen
throughout the Takab area.
Tertiary–Quaternary: With the extrusives prevailing over magmatics, the rocks
range from olivine basalts to rhyolites. The volcanosedimentary rocks of Eocene
times similar to Alborz Region are only seen around Shahindezh. However, extensive
volcanic rocks including rhyolites, dacites, acidic tuffs, andesites, and basalts along
with minor intrusions of gabbro and alkaline granites occur throughout Upper
Oligocene to Lower Quaternary (Fig. 6.8) with two climaxes, one in Late Oligocene–
Early Miocene (acid volcanics more than andesites) and other in Late Miocene–
Pliocene. The latter can further be divided into basaltic–andesitic volcanics that
start with dacitic tuffs and culminate into basic dikes, and acid plutonics in the form
of small granitic to quartz porphyritic intrusives.
Metamorphic Activities
Extensive metamorphism occurs in Takab quadrangle. Excepting the Tertiaries,

most of the rocks in the central parts of the region (especially Upper Cambrian–
Lower Cambrian rocks) have experienced some form of metamorphism ranging
from low to high grade.
The metamorphic rocks of Takab have been divided into five categories by
Pelissier and Bolourchi (1967) and Alavi and Bolourchi (1982) which are as under:
1. Sursat Mount complex to the east of Shahindezh composed of mica-schist,
gneiss, and migmatitic gneiss. Small granitic bodies are also seen.
2. Mahneshan complex on the northeast of Takab consisting of Aghkand gneiss,
Poshtkuh schists, and Almaloo white marbles.
3. Kheirabad complex, which is further divided into the following:
(a) Dava Yataghi gneiss made up of almandine-bearing layers with schist
intercalations.
(b) Alamkandi amphilolite composed of amphibolites, gneisses, and marbles.
(c) Angooran schist including all types of schists, marbles, gneisses, and volcanics.
Basaltic dyke
Basalt
Basaltic andesite
Plioc-Upper Miocene
Pyroxene andesite
Andesit basalt
Marl, shale and tuff
Dacitic lavas
Dacitic tuff
Agglomerate
and
Hydroberccia
Upper EoceOligocen-Lower Miocen
Acidic intrusives
Intermediate intrusives
Basic intrusives
Andesite
Limestone
Rhyolite lavas
L.R.F
Acidic tuff
Conglomerate
L.R.F
Fig. 6.8 A schematic view of Tertiary magmatism in the Takab area
4. Amirabad complex on the south of Dandi and south–southeast of Angooran mine

consisting of mica-schists, amphibolite schists, marbles, and migmatitic gneisses.
Pelissier and Bolourchi (1967) has assigned these rocks to greenschist facies.
5. Metamorphics occurring at the southwest terminus of Takab Region including
amphibolites, gneisses, mica-schists, and marbles. Alavi and Bolourchi (1982)
believe these rocks to belong to the pre-Permian times.
All the metamorphic and igneous rocks of the Takab region can be divided into
three groups as follows:
1. Takab metamorphic super-complex: Occurring at the center of Takab quadrangle,
the super-complex includes Mahneshan, Amirabad, Kheirabad, and Sursat com-
plexes all of which have been metamorphosed in schist and amphibolite facies. The
rocks include schists, amphibolites, gneisses, migmatites, and anataxic granites.
2. Low-grade metamorphics: Originally having been composed of clastics, car-
bonaceous–tuffaceous rocks of Kahar, Soltanieh, and Baroot Formations, the
rocks have been metamorphosed within the lower limits of greenschist facies
and outcrop on eastern and western borders of the quadrangle.
3. Metamorphic rocks of southwestern terminus: Alavi and Bolourchi (1982) have
assigned an older than Permian age for these rocks which include schists,
mica-schists, marbles, recrystallized limestones, metamorphosed volcanics, and
spilites. However, Ghorbani (1999f) has correlated these rocks with Rooteh
Formation and hence believes they are of Permian age having been metamor-
phosed due to Cimmerian orogenic phase.
Metamorphic Phases
The processes of metamorphism in Takab quadrangle can be divided into four phases.
1. Pan-African metamorphic phase (Late Precambrian–Early Cambrian): Kahar,
Soltanieh, and Baroot Formations have been affected by this low-grade meta-
morphic phase.
2. Early Cimmerian metamorphic phase (Early Mesozoic): The greenschist facies
marbles, calc-schists, and greenschists occurring on the southeast of Takab
(Sanandaj–Sirjan zone) belong to this phase of metamorphism.
3. Laramide metamorphic phase (Late Cretaceous): Parts of Takab quadrangle that
fall within Sanandaj–Sirjan Zone have experienced metamorphism of this phase.
4. Core complex metamorphic phase (Tertiary): Being associated with igneous
activities resulting from intrusion of mantle diapirs, this phase has metamor-
phosed most of the rocks of central parts of the quadrangle.
Metallogeny
The overall structural, magmatic, metamorphic, and stratigraphic conditions

prevailing through Late Precambrian–Early Cambrian and Tertiary (especially
in Neogene times) have resulted in the consideration of Takab quadrangle

(dominantly its central parts) as a major metallogenic zone with no equiva-
lents. The following mineral deposits and indications occur in Takab quadran-
gle (Fig. 6.6):
• Lead–zinc, for example, Angooran, Alamkandi, Poshtkuh, Molla, and Ayghal’e-si
with more than 30 million tons of lead–zinc ores.
• Iron, for example, Shahrak, Mirjan, Ghaliche Bolagh, Chehar Tagh, Kuhbaba,
and Zafarabad with an estimated reserve of more than 50 million tons.
• Manganese, for example, Dabaklou and Amirabad.
• Gold, for example, Zarshouran, Agh Dare, Zarinabad, Ghoozlou, and Arabshah
gold indication. The investigations show that a minimum of 100 tons of gold
must occur at Zarshouran and Agh Dare.
• Antimony, Arsenic, and Mercury, for example, Moghanlou, Agh Dare, and
Ghizghapan antimony deposit; Zarshouran arsenic deposits and Arabshah arse-
nic indication; and, Shakh–Shakh mercury indication and Qare Dash mercury
deposit.
• Copper, for example, Baiche Bagh multimetallic deposit that include copper,
lead–zinc, cobalt, nickel, bismuth, etc., and Tataqeshlaqi and Tazekand indica-
tions with an estimated 100,000 tons of reserves.
The nonmetallic reserves of Takab Region are as follows:
• Phosphate, for example, Amankandi and Hajkandi.
• Feldspar, for example, Moghanlou, Khalaj, and Qezelche.
• Talc, for example, Alamkandi.
• Dolomite, for example, Bardlou.
• Rock salt, for example, Douzkank, Raz, and Qareh Aghaj.
• Boron, for example, Qareh Gol and Mianj.
• Fireclays, for example, Chaplou, Norouzabad, Alibaltou, and Aghajir.
• Coal, for example, Mirjan and Ghaliche Bolaghi.
The paragenesis of metallic and nonmetallic deposits of the Takab area has taken
place in the following phases of mineralization:
Late Precambrian–Early Cambrian Mineralization Phase: Various metallic and
nonmetallic indications and deposits such as lead–zinc, iron, manganese, copper,
barite, feldspar, talc, and phosphate exist in the Takab area that have been formed
during time phase of mineralization. In addition to these, gold, arsenic, antimony,
mercury, lead, and zinc deposits of Tertiary have been derived from the rocks
formed during the Late Precambrian–Early Cambrian times.
In general, the mineral deposits and indications of this phase can be grouped in
the following on the basis of their texture, structure, and mode of origin:
1. Massive sulfide and volcanosedimentary (sedex type) occur in the central part of
Takab quadrangle. The stratabound examples include Angooran, Alamkandi and
Poshtkuh lead–zinc deposits, Amirabad manganese deposits, Chehar Tagh iron
deposits, and Khoor Jahan copper deposit, while the stratiform instances occur at
Alamkandi and Poshtkuh lead–zinc deposits and Chehar Tagh iron deposit
(Fig. 6.9).
The geological evidence shows that the minerals occurring in these deposits
are mostly related with basic and acidic volcanic activities and their associated
sedimentary rocks. Thus, the massive sulfide deposit of Angooran is of Besshi
type while its equivalents (e.g., Chehar Tagh iron, Alamkandi lead–zinc, etc.) are
of sedex type due to the association of their hosts with sedimentary rocks.
One of the paragenetic characteristics of these deposits is the great abundance of
zinc in some of them, for example, Angooran, or high percentage of lead, for
example, Alamkandi. However, copper is always in minor quantities.
Based on the geological features of the central parts of Takab quadrangle, char-
acteristics of massive sulfide and sedex deposits, comparison with other areas of
Iran (such as Anarak), it can be deduced that the massive sulfide (and sede)
deposits of Takab have been formed in a rift zone similar to the Red Sea though
some aspects of these deposits differ from each other.
2. Stratiform, stratabound deposits related to Soltanieh Formation such as iron associ-
ated with barite on the east of Mahneshan, iron and phosphate ores of Shahindezh.
The shale layers of Soltanieh (specifically the lower and upper shales) in and
around Amankandi and Hjikandi villages on the east of Shahindezh show traces
of phosphates, but the main concentration occurs in the middle dolomite
sequences of this formation. The phosphate deposits of Shahindezh are very
similar to those of the Zanjan and Alborz regions.
3. Nonmetallic deposits associated with plutonism and metamorphism (such as
feldspar, talc, and silica), though being formed after this time, have originated
from the rocks of the Late Precambrian–Early Cambrian times.
Occurrence of lead, zinc, iron, manganese, barium, copper, arsenic, silver, anti-
mony, and gold in younger rocks can be a result of recycling of these elements
from the Late Precambrian–Early Cambrian rocks.
4. Sedimentary and volcanosedimentary deposits dominantly iron- and phosphate-
bearing are not only stratabound but stratiform. These are not directly related to
volcanic activity and vague relation exists between some of them and Qare Dash
Series. All of the sedimentary and volcanosedimentary deposits occur in Soltanieh
Formation, the iron deposits associated with the lower dolomite succession at the
base of Soltanieh, while the phosphates occur within the middle dolomites and
the upper parts of the lower shale and the lower parts of the upper shale succession
of Soltanieh Formation.
The mineralogical composition of iron deposits consists of hematite, magnetite,
siderite, and their gangues such as carbonate and barite. Wherever Qare Dash rock
successions lie next to these deposits, the mineralogy of iron deposits changes to
hematite–magnetite. But far from them, the mineralogical composition changes to
hematite–siderite with abundant barite.
At times, anomalous occurrence of hematite is observed within the Qare Dash
rock series. At Bardarash Mount where the highest thickness of the Qare Dash Series
outcrops, an indication of hematite exists.
Similar deposits are also present outside Takab quadrangle. The author has
surveyed many iron deposits intermingled with dolomites of Soltanieh (especially
the lower dolomite succession) from Arjin in Soltanieh area to Oshnavieh. All
these deposits compare from the point of view of reserves, mineralogy, and
paragenesis.
Late Paleozoic–Early Triassic Mineralization Phase: Minor amount of mineraliza-
tion occurs due to this phase, which is as follows:
1. Fireclays of Shahindezh corresponding to other fireclay horizons of southern
Alborz and Abadeh areas.
2. Iron deposits related to Permian volcanism. These have been formed under
marine conditions along with Rooteh limestone. The most important among
them are Zafarabad volcanic iron deposit and Soghanchi sedimentary iron
deposit. The former occurs within the Sanandaj–Sirjan zone and corresponds
to the iron deposits of Songhor while the latter exists at Shahindezh and corre-
sponds to the Masooleh iron of the Alborz Region.
Jurassic (Mesozoic) Mineralization Phase: No characteristic mineralization phase
has occurred in Takab Metallogenic Province with the Mesozoic with the exception
of coal indications within Shemshak Formation in Shahin Dezh and Mahneshan
areas. These coal-bearing strata reach considerable thickness in Mirjan and Nasir
Abad mines (east of Mahneshan).
Tertiary Mineralization Phase: The most effective and most diverse phases of min-
eralization in Takab Metallogenic Province have taken place during Tertiary times,
whose results can be seen in the central parts (C-I zone) of the quadrangle only.
Tertiary mineralization phase has dominantly taken place during Neogene and,
therefore, these younger phases of mineralization are described hereunder; how-
ever, since Neogene igneous activity played a major role in producing various
mineral deposits, we shall consider that first and then describe the metallogeny of
this time interval.
The neogene phases of mineralization are closely associated to the igneous
activity of the Takab Region, which can be classified into the following:
1. Eocene volcanic phase in Shahin Dezh and Mahneshan with no significant
mineralization.
2. Eocene–Oligocene plutonic phase (in the form of diapirism in C-I zone); no
information is available on the exact age of this phase, but it can be considered
as an equivalent to the metamorphism in the region.
3. Late Oligocene–Early Miocene volcanic phase including rhyolitic–ignimbritic
rock types and their associated tuffs, andesites, and small plutonic bodies. This
phase reached its climax during Aquitanian and diminished by the end of Early
Miocene. Diverse mineralization including Shahrak Iron and some antimony and
mercury are associated with the acidic rocks of this phase.
4. Early–Middle Miocene igneous phase, which followed the acid volcanic and
pyroclastic phase and produced andesite–basalt suites with no mineralization.
5. Late Miocene–Pliocene phase that started explosively producing volcanic breccia

and andesitic bombs and ended with basaltic–andesitic flows; small acidic
plutonism also accompanied this phase, which in the view of the author played a
major role in mineralization (Fig. 6.9).
Oligocene Phase
The acid plutonic phase of mineralization has taken place during Eocene–Oligocene,
resulting in the formation of mercury mineral index at Qareh Zagh.
Early Miocene Phase
This phase of mineralization that was accompanied by deepening of the sea and
deposition of Qom Formation in the Takab basin produced acidic extrusives inter-
mingled with calcareous sediments. The volcanism that began in Late Oligocene
continued well into Miocene so that the lower parts of Qom Formation are mostly
tuffaceous in nature. The limestones of Qom Formation are interlayered with
acidic tuffs, ignimbrite and rhyolite underlying the limestones, and andesite having
interfingering relation or seldom overlying it. This has resulted in extensive miner-
alization in the region, which is as follows:
• Iron mineralization: Shahrak iron, which is the largest deposit of the northwest
Iran, is the result of this phase. The field observations, geological, mineralogical
and geochemical evidence all point to the volcanic origin of this iron deposit.
• Antimony, mercury, lead, and zinc mineralization: Having taken place in and
around Zarshuran (Balderghani), Ghizghapan, and Agh Dareh, this phase is
probably associated with the Early Miocene acidic sub volcanic that was laid
down along with Qom Formation because the host rock and the mineralized
zone have been deformed together. Baycheh Bagh mineralization (especially its
nickel and cobalt indications) are results of this phase.
Middle Miocene (Evaporitic) Mineralization: After the subsidence of volcanic
activities at the end of Early Miocene, the environmental conditions of the Takab
basin of deposition (forming Qom Formation) changed gradually from marine to
nonmarine (continental). However, the marine condition persisted up to Middle
Miocene in Mahneshan and Dandy due to the graben structure, but with a shift
toward evaporitic facies. As a result of the composition of the volcanics, extensive
salt deposits have been formed. Most of the springs of Mahneshan that pass through
the lower and middle part of the Lower Red Formation are rich in potassium,
sodium, and magnesium.
Late Miocene–Pliocene Mineralization: As stated before, the most intensive phase
of igneous activity (volcanism and intrusion of small acidic bodies of granite and
porphyry granite type) took place at this interval of time in the center of Takab
Takht e Belgheis and Pn,Zn West of Mahneshan

Kuh e Eidal area
Anguran area
Zarshuran area Chartagh area
Micaschist-Anatexys granites Schist and black dolomite White - grey marble Marble dolomite
Metamorphic-mafic rocks Calc schist Orthogneis and mylonite Dolomite
Metamorphic-mafic and Platy micaschist Ultramafic rocks Limestone

ultramafic rocks (Serpentinited)
Fig. 6.9 Precambrian-Early Cambrian rocks and mineralization in Takab area
Province, indications of which are still existing in the form of hot springs scattered
throughout the region. Simultaneously, the most diverse and valued phase of miner-
alization has also occurred reaching its climax at the end of Miocene/beginning of
Pliocene. Some of the more important mineralization belonging to this time interval
are as follows:
• Gold and arsenic mineralization: Gold–arsenic deposits of Zarshuran, Agh
Dareh, and Arabshah.
• Copper, lead, and zinc mineralization: Lead–zinc deposits of Ay Qal’e Si,
Arpachay, and parts of Bayche Bagh copper deposits.
• Iron mineralization: Associated with andesite and andesitic basalts of Late
Miocene–Pliocene, a number of volcanogenic iron deposits and indications have
been formed, for example, Kuh Baba magnetite deposit situated within Kuh
Baba volcanic rocks; Baba Nazar and Amir Abad indications within Amir Abad
volcanic rocks.
• Manganese mineralization: Hydrothermal solutions and hot springs associated
with Late Miocene–Pliocene volcanism in the Kuh Baba area have formed
Debakloo manganese deposit.
• Boron and magnesium sulfate mineralization: During Late Miocene, small lakes
remaining after the drying up of Early–Middle Miocene Sea have formed rich
deposits of Boron.
Genetic Analysis of Tertiary Deposits: In order to better understand the paragenesis
of Tertiary deposits of Takab Province, the following should be pointed out:
1. The climax of Tertiary mineralization is reached during Early Miocene–Pliocene,
referred here as “younger phase.”
2. “Younger phase” is recorded at the center of Takab quadrangle only.
3. The latest phase of igneous activity has similarly taken place at the center of the
quadrangle only, reaching its height at Early Miocene–Pliocene.
4. The central parts of Takab quadrangle where the “younger phase” occurred has
mafic–ultra mafic basement which are associated with Upper Precambrian–
Lower Cambrian carbonaceous–pellitic rocks. These rocks are exposed exten-
sively at the center of Takab quadrangle. They are partly covered by
volcanosedimentary rocks of Lower Red, Qom, and Upper Red Formations
(Oligocene–Miocene).
5. Precambrian–Cambrian basement of middle parts of Takab quadrangle shows
anomalous occurrence of gold, arsenic, mercury, lead, and zinc as compared to
its equivalents. The mafic–ultramafic rocks of this time interval show first and
second degree anomalies for gold and arsenic, respectively. Carbonaceous
rocks have anomalous lead–zinc concentrations while volcanics, acidic tuffs,
and pellites show antimony and mercury anomalies.
6. The basement rocks of the younger deposits are as follows:
(a) The Agh Dareh gold deposit overlies mixed mafic to ultramafic basement
while Ghiz Ghapan and Moghanloo antimony indications, Shakh–Shakh
Fig. 6.10 (a) Schematic model of gold mineralization in Agh-Darreh; (b) schematic model of
gold mineralization in Zarshooran
and Qare Zagh mercury indications overlie metamorphosed acid extrusive,

pellitic, and granitic basement.
The Bayche Bagh polymetallic deposit has a mafic–ultramafic basement
which is interrupted by Bayche Bagh fault through which Miocene volcanics
erupted (Fig. 6.10a).
(b) The Zarshuran gold deposit and Arabshah indications are of pyroxinite and
peridotite type overlain by carbonaceous and pellitic successions (Fig. 6.10b)
(c) The Ay Qal’e Si lead–zinc deposit overlies metamorphosed mafic, carbona-
ceous and pellitic basement.
7. Sulfur isotope measurements (∂S34/S32) indicate significant resemblance between
Late Precambrian–Early Cambrian lead–zinc deposits (Angooran and Alamkandi)
and younger deposits, for example, Ay Qal’e Si.
Based on mineral paragenesis, fluid inclusion studies, and the control of mineraliza-
tion processes by faults in Zarshuran, Ay Qal’e Si, Agh Dareh, Moghanloo,
Arabshah, and Bayche Bagh, the importance of hydrothermal processes in formation
of these deposits is revealed.
Based on the above-mentioned studies and considering the temperature of hydro-
thermal solutions in these deposits, the following sequence from left to right is
applicable:
Agh Dareh ® Zarshuran ® Ay Qal¢ e Si ® Bayche Bagh
The results of fluid inclusion studies indicate that the temperature of hydrothermal
solutions at Zarshuran must have been between 180 and 220°C (Moritz et al. 1993).
The same investigation has determined the temperature of hydrothermal solutions at

lower than 180°C for Agh Dareh, more than 220°C for Ay Qal’e Si, and more than
300°C for Bayche Bagh (above 400°C in the initial stages).
Folding and other structural disturbances of younger Alpine phases along with
intrusion of magmatic bodies into the shallower parts of the crust have resulted in
the formation of a series of faults and fractures which conducted the flow of hydro-
thermal solutions.
Chemical analysis of younger rocks shows no significant anomaly of ore-forming
elements.
Field association of small acidic intrusive bodies, epithermal mineralization, and
the intensity of hydrothermal activity was distinct during Late Miocene–Pliocene so
that all the travertine layers and the argillitic and silicic alteration zones of the area
are associated with the intrusives, whereas at places where the extrusives predominate,
alteration is not significant.
Genetic Model of Takab Mineralization
Considering the above-mentioned facts, the central parts of Takab quadrangle are
believed to have been intensively impacted by igneous activities during Late
Oligocene to Early Quaternary, the effects of which are seen in the form of various
volcanic rocks such as rhyolites, basalts, and tuffs along with small intrusives of
gabbro and alkaline granites. These igneous activities were followed by intensive
hydrothermal actions that are still continued today in the form of hot travertine-
producing springs.
Melting of Precambrian–Cambrian basement rocks (crustal magma) during
the later phases of igneous activity and its mingling with magma originating
from the mantle resulted in a rise of the thermal gradient (thus weakening the
bonds of rare elements in the older rocks) and circulation of hydrothermal solu-
tions (produced from igneous rocks, atmospheric precipitation, and metamor-
phic activity). The mineralizing solutions thus formed were trapped within the
fractured rocks which had the capacity of reacting with them and producing ore
deposits.
In line with this hypothesis, the younger deposits of Takab region can be grouped
into two categories:
1. Ay Qal’e Si, Moghanloo, Shakh–Shakh, Arpachai deposits; parts of Bayche
Bagh mineralization are of epithermal to mesothermal type whose hydrothermal
solutions were derived from small intrusive bodies. The age of these ore deposits
and indications and the role of the basement rocks are of importance.
2. Bayche Bagh polymetallic deposit, especially its nickel and cobalt, and
Tatagheshlaghi and Tazekand copper indications are among the high-temperature
hydrothermal deposits whose solutions originated from andesitic volcanic rocks.
The formation temperature of these deposits was higher than that of epithermal
deposits and the role of basement was more subdued.
6.3.2 Urumiyeh–Dokhtar Metallogenic Province
This belt lies on the west–southwest of Central Iran and north of Sanandaj–Sirjan
provinces in the form of a volcanic arc. The rocks of Urumiyeh–Dokhtar metallogenic
province consist of thick piles of volcanics and pyroclastics in spread from Sahand
on the northwest of Iran to Bazman in the southeast. The igneous activity that has
produced these rocks can be traced all along the Alpine–Himalayan orogenic belt
(Ghorbani 2004a). On the basis of magmatic and mineralogical characteristics
(especially that of copper), the province can be divided into three districts as southern
(Kerman), central (Taft, Anar, and Kashan–Qom), and northern (Tafresh–Takab).
The following are the major specifications of Urumiyeh–Dokhtar metallogenic
province:
1. The general trend of the province is northwest–southeast.
2. The sequences consist of volcanic and pyroclastic rocks.
3. The volcanic sequences comprise of various types of lavas and clastics ranging
in composition from basalt to rhyolite.
4. The pyroclastic successions alternate with the volcanic rocks and are composed
of various clastics.
5. Intrusive rocks having granitic to gabbroic compositions of Paleocene to Pliocene
age cut across the older rocks.
6. Older (Precambrian–Paleozoic) rocks form the basement of the northern parts
while they are rare in the south.
7. Volcanic activity was not uniform throughout Tertiary reaching maxima at
Middle Eocene, Late Eocene–Early Oligocene, Late Oligocene–Early Miocene,
and Miocene–Pliocene.
The intrusive igneous rocks of this province are characteristically composed of
diorites and granites, whereas the extrusives are of basaltic–rhyolitic composition.
Associated with them, there are large deposits of porphyry copper, magmatic iron,
epithermal gold, volcanogenic manganese, and hydrothermal barite, lead and zinc
(Ghorbani 2002a, 2004a).
The igneous rock successions (especially the Eocene volcanics) reduce in volume
and diversity in the northward direction so that their outcrops are nearly absent in the
north (Ghorbani 2012a). Moreover, mineralization (especially that of copper) show
the same trend and there are no reports of any porphyry deposits in the north.
6.3.2.1 Kerman Copper Belt
The Kerman copper-bearing belt in the southern part of the Urumiyeh–Dokhtar

magmatic zone is one of the high-potential copper-bearing areas in Iran wherein
several porphyry copper deposits have been found so far. From structural and geo-
logical standpoints, the Kerman copper-bearing belt is part of the Urumiyeh–Dokhtar
magmatic zone and because of specific characteristics it differs from the middle and
northern parts of this magmatic zone (Fig. 6.11).
Fig. 6.11 Metallogenic map of Kerman copper belt (Ghorbani 2006b)
Based on the exploration works done by the Yugoslav team back in 1970s in the
Kerman region (Dimitrijevic and Djokovic 1973), the geological and structural units
of Kerman have been categorized as follows:
• Rafsanjan axis (includes Morad, Joopar, and Gook blocks)
• Dehaj–Sardouiyeh axis
• Color-melange axis
• Sirjan axis
• Esfandagheh–Sabzehvaran (Jiroft) axis
Out of aforementioned five axes, Dehaj–Sardouiyeh and the northern part
of Esfandagheh–Sabzehvaran (Jebal–Barez) axes contain porphyry deposits.
As a result of the exploration works by the Yugoslav team in the 1970s, Rio Tinto
(2001–2009), and the recent exploration works by the National Iranian Copper
Industries Company (NICICO), several subzones were identified and introduced,
of which Abdar–Dehaj, Sirjan (or Sarcheshmeh–Sirjan), and Jebal–Barez sub-
zones exhibit porphyry copper deposits with the first two subzones being more
important.
Considering the features of magmatic phases, alteration, and porphyry
mineralization, there is not much of a difference between the Abdar–Dehaj and
Sarcheshmeh–Sirjan subzones, and therefore the author divides the whole Kerman
copper-bearing belt into two subzones of Dehaj–Sardouiyeh and Jebal–Barez
(Figs. 6.12 and 6.13).
The Kerman copper-bearing belt forms the southern part of Urumiyeh–Dokhtar
metallogenic province, and it is the richest copper-bearing belt in Iran with
more than 200 identified copper deposits and indications, of which some are of
porphyry type. This belt forms the southern extension of the Urumiyeh–Dokhtar
magmatic zone, and it is 450-km long and 80-km wide. This belt was cut through
by many faults; some of these were in the N–S trend and some in the NE–SW
direction.
Magmatic activities within Kerman copper-bearing belt had a significant and
widespread distribution, and started from Early Eocene and continued till Quaternary.
Most volcanic activities in this copper-bearing area belong to Eocene (Ghorbani
2004a). These rocks have been studied under the title of three complexes called
Bahr–Asman, Razak, and Hezar (from older to younger).
In general, magmatic activities in Tertiary–Quaternary within Kerman belt took
place in four temporal phases (Ghorbani 2012a):
• Eocene (Middle Eocene in particular): With large volumes of volcanic rocks
especially andesite.
• Oligocene: Although volcanic activities were weaker than Eocene but intrusive
activities showed up in the form of batholith especially in the Jebal–Barez area.
• Miocene: Main activities during this time period consist of diorite–tonalite
porphyry intrusive bodies, in which most copper deposits formed.
Mio–Pliocene: Magmatic activities in Mio–Pliocene began with forming acid
domes and in some parts ended with volcanic activities.
Fig. 6.12 Geological map of Jebal Barez (Arian Zamin Co. 2010b)
Fig. 6.13 Porphyry localities in Abdar–Dahaj area (Parvin-pour 2007)
Five magmatic phases that occurred from Eocene to Quaternary are traceable in
this belt (Ghorbani 2012a):
• Early Eocene to Late Eocene volcanic phase with a variety of volcanic rocks
such as andesite, andesite–basalt to trachyte with small volume of acid rocks,
breccias, agglomerates, and tuffs.
• Eocene–Oligocene volcanic phase with acid and ultra-acid rock composition.
• Miocene porphyry intrusive phase resulted in bodies with composition of por-
phyry quartz–monzonite to porphyry tonalite.
• Mio–Pliocene volcanic and sub volcanic phase, which is the most important
phase in this area. Most high rugged peaks are the result of this phase (Ayoub,
Mardvar and Dehaj–Keder Mountains).
• Plio–Quaternary volcanic and sub volcanic phase, which is the final and youngest
phase in the area, led to the formation of domes and craters (Aj Crater, Mozahem,
Hezar, and Amiralmomenin Mountains).
The copper content in the background of Eocene andesite rocks is more compared
to other andesitic rocks in the area. Various alteration zones such as propylitic, sericitic,
and argilitic are common in most areas, and in some parts, potassic and silicic zones are
seen as well. It is to be noted that in some known porphyry deposits such as Meydook,
Sarcheshmeh, and Darreh-zar, all of the aforementioned alteration zones are detect-
able, and the propylitic zone has a significant expansion (Arian Zamin 2010b).
Magmatism during Early–Middle–Late Eocene in Jebal–Barez subzone is almost
similar to that of in other parts of the Kerman copper-bearing belt; however, the
acid magmatic products such as agglomerates, breccias, and tuffs are not significant.
The volcanic of Oligo–Miocene–Pliocene are not considerably present either, but

Oligocene batholiths are widely seen. There are three large granitoid batholiths
outcrop in this subzone and they are, from the southeast toward the northwest,
Rigan, Jebal–Barez, and east of Delfard batholiths (Arian Zamin 2010b).
The characteristics of Jebal–Barez complex are as follows:
• Its petrographic composition varies from diorite to granite.
• This complex penetrated in a thick sequence of Eocene volcanic and pyroclastic
rocks.
• Invaded volcanic rocks display metamorphic halo at the contact line with Jebal–
Barez batholith.
• There were frequent tardy intrusions in Jebal–Barez batholith, which are con-
sidered as porphyry bodies wherein explorations for porphyry deposits have
been done.
– The composition of some of these tardy intrusive bodies is alkali–granite, and
some of them are of alkali–granite to alkali–syno–granite.
Some of these porphyry bodies in the Jebal–Barez area show evidences of
porphyry copper mineralization.
The role of fractures and linear structures in the formation of porphyry deposits
within the Kerman copper-bearing belt is as follows:
• Most young volcanic rocks formed at the intersection of two fault systems.
• Based on field observations and studies, it has been determined that the thickness
of volcanic rocks is much larger than it is in other parts of the area.
• Intrusive porphyry bodies, especially the fertile ones, are seen at the intersection
of fault systems, particularly where the fault systems are of strike-slip type.
• In general, wherever the fractures are more congested, more mineralization signs
are seen.
The differences between the Dehaj–Sardouiyeh and Jebal–Barez subzones are as
follows:
• The volcanic rocks in the Dehaj–Sardouiyeh subzone show more variety than
those in Jebal–Barez.
• The volcanic rocks in the Dehaj–Sardouiyeh subzone have extensive variety in
petrography and geochemistry, and can be traced from Eocene to Quaternary.
• There are large batholiths in Jebal–Barez subzone, whereas no batholith is seen
in the Dehaj–Sardouiyeh subzone.
• Intrusive bodies in the Dehaj–Sardouiyeh subzone are mostly small with fairly
similar composition. Although some of these bodies are the product of frequent
intrusions, no tardy intrusion is found there.
• Porphyry bodies within the Jebal–Barez subzone are in fact of tardy intru-
sion type, which seem to be associated with differentiation of Jebal–Barez
batholith complex. Therefore, the level of acidity in rocks increases gradually
as moving from very first phase (the large batholith) toward the final phase
(tardy alkali–granite).
• Porphyry copper mineralization in the Jebal–Barez subzone is very different from

porphyry mineralization in the Dehaj–Sardouiyeh subzone or copper mineraliza-
tion in any other part of this area.
• In addition to porphyry copper mineralization, copper mineralization is found in
the form of veins and veinlets in volcanic and intrusive rocks, which do not exist
in the Jebal–Barez subzone.
• Copper contamination in volcanic and intrusive rocks in Dehaj–Sardouiyeh is
higher than it is in the Jebal–Barez subzone.
• Copper grade in porphyry bodies in the Jebal–Barez subzone fluctuates signifi-
cantly as in some parts the copper content reaches up to 0.1, whereas copper grade
variation in porphyry bodies in the Dehaj–Sardouiyeh subzone follows much fair
distribution order.
6.3.3 Sanandaj–Sirjan Metallogenic Province
This province is called Sanadaj–Sirjan (Stöcklin 1968), Urumiyeh–Esfandaghe

(Takin 1971), Esfandaghe–Marivan (Nabavi 1976), and Manujan–Marivan
(Houshmand-Zadeh and Berberian 1972). Sanandaj–Sirjan Province is in fact a
division of Central Iran. However, some geological characteristics of its Mesozoic
and Tertiary sequences contradict those of Central Iran.
Sanandaj–Sirjan Province extends in the form of a magmatic–metamorphic
belt from Urumiyeh on the northwest to Esfandaghe on the southeast, in between
Zagros and Central Iran. Urumiyeh–Dokhtar volcanic arc, and Sirjan, Marvdasht,
Gavkhooni, and Kabudar–Ahang depressions separate this province from Central Iran
while Zagros thrust fault (ZTF) marks its boundary with the Zagros Mountains.
Eftekharnejad (1980) has divided Sanandaj–Sirjan Province into northern and
southern areas based on geological characteristics. But taking into account the
metallogenic characteristics of the province, it may be divided into three districts,
namely, southern, central, and northern districts. The southern district covers the
area between Sirjan and Esfahan and is separated from the central district by the
extension of the Dorouneh fault. In turn, the central district is set apart from the
northern by the extension of the South Tehran fault. The continuation of South
Tehran and Dorouneh faults forms the western and the eastern borders of central
district and corresponds with the Malayer–Esfahan lead–zinc belt.
The southern district is characterized by mineralization of iron, iron–manganese
(Gole–Gohar, Heneshk, Baft), and lead–zinc–copper (Chah–Gaz, Ghanat–Marvan)
of Late Precambrian to Cretaceous. The discovery of large deposits of iron and
iron–manganese deposits similar to Hanshak manganese, Baft manganese, and
Chah–Gaz lead–zinc–copper is very probable within this district.
The central district, informally further divided into northern and southern stripes,
bears a higher potential of ore deposits compared to the other two districts.
The more important deposits of this district include the Malayer–Esfahan lead–zinc
belt and Shams–Abad metallogenic zone (Astaneh gold, Shams–Abad iron,
Deh–Hossein tungsten–tin, and Mooteh gold camp).
The northern district includes deposits of iron at Hamekasi (Hamedan), Songhor

and Zafar–Abad (Divan Darreh), gold and gold–antimony at Dashkessan (Ghorveh),
and Alout (Saghez). The most important characteristic of Sanandaj–Sirjan is the
temporal correspondence of mineralization with various phases of Alpine orogeny.
6.3.3.1 Malayer–Esfahan Metallogenic Belt
Being a part of the Sanadaj–Sirjan Zone, this belt is one of the main lead–zinc miner-
alization zones of Iran. The belt is bounded on the south by the Zagros Mountains
and on the north by the Orumieh–Dokhtar volcanic strip (Fig. 6.14). The Malayer–
Esfahan Belt covers major parts of Markazi, Esfahan, and Hamedan Provinces
and minor parts of Lorestan and Chahar–Mahal–o–Bakhtiyari, which extends up to
Qom, Tafresh, and Qahavand on the north, Boroojerd, Aligoodarz, Shahrekord, and
Boroojen on the west, Shahreza–Naein trunk road on the south, and Ardestan,
Kashan, and Qom on the east; the area has a cold mountainous climate type.
The western limits of the area extend from northwest to southeast and pass through
a hilly region to the south of Malayer, Sarband Mountains, Aligoodarz Mountains,
Dalan Mount, and Shahrekord highlands while the eastern limits of the belt extend
from northwest to southeast and include Saveh highlands, Qom–Kashan–Natanz Plain,
Karkas hills, and Ardestan–Naein Mountains. The northern limits include, from north
to south, Tafresh Mountains, Malayer Mountains, Sarband Mountains, and Shazand
Mountains while the southern boundary passes through Naein highlands, Gavkhooni
Swamp, and Shahreza highlands in the north–south direction.
General Geology
The area of the Malayer–Esfahan Belt is geologically, sedimentologically, and structurally

similar to Central Iran. The belt demonstrates several unconformities during the Mesozoic
and Cenozoic times that are also visible in Northern and Central Iran; however, it can be
distinguished from the latter by the absence of Tertiary volcanic rocks, underdevelopment
of Tertiary sediments and having a trend similar to that of Zagros. The orogenic phases
that have affected the area are Pan-African, Early Cimmerian, Late Cimmerian, Laramide,
Pirenne, and younger Pliocene phases (Aghanabati 2004; Ghorbani 2002a).
Overall, it can be considered that the geomorphological features of the area have
been formed in relation with Alpine orogeny and the general trend of fold axes fol-
lows that of Zagros (Alavi 1993).
From a structural point of view, the belt is limited by two large basement faults
(Ghorbani 2006b). The first is an extension of the Dorooneh fault that forms the
northern limit of the belt. Cretaceous and younger rock successions cover this
basement fault, but certain associated structures are visible on the surface. The second
basement fault is the one that passes through southern central Alborz, and similarly,
covered by Upper Mesozoic and Tertiary rocks, and can be distinguished by the
associated structures.
Fig. 6.14 Metallogenic map of Malayer Esfahan area (Ghorbani 2002a, 2006b)
Stratigraphy
Based on the geological maps (1:250,000 and 1:100,000) published by the

Geological Survey of Iran, the following stratigraphic units outcrop within the
Malayer–Esfahan Belt:
Upper Precambrian–Early Paleozoic Rocks: Sometimes considered as the basement
rocks, they comprise the oldest rocks exposed in the Malayer–Esfahan Belt and
consist of metamorphics (schists, quartzites, amphibolite, gneiss, and marbles),
metamorphosed volcanic rocks (acidic and basic), and sedimentary succession of
Soltanieh, Zagoon, and Laloon Formations (dolomites, sandstones, and shales). The
sedimentary rocks outcrop at Golpaygan, Mooteh, Azna, Mahalat, and Aligoodarz.
Thiele et al. (1968) have assigned the Precambrian age to the metamorphic rocks of
the area. However, the exact age of the rocks is not yet ascertained; in fact, the meta-
morphic rocks earlier thought to have been formed during the Pan-African (Precambrian)
phase of orogeny are now believed to belong to younger (Cimmerian) phases. Thus, the
metamorphic rocks of the area are here considered to be of Precambrian–Paleozoic
age. Wherever detailed investigations have been carried out on these rocks, higher gold
content as compared to Mesozoic and Cenozoic rocks is found to exist.
Permian Rock: Starting with conglomerates, the Permian rock units of the belt
continue in the form of cherty limestones and dolomites which are crystalline in
nature and have schistose intercalations. These rocks are exposed on the west of the
Malayer–Esfahan Belt and are suitable to be utilized as construction stones.
Triassic Units: They include pyroclastic–volcanic suites composed of alternate
acidic tuffs and acidic to intermediate lavaflows with carbonaceous intercalations
(limestone, marly limestones, and dolomites); at times, the intercalations change to
shales. All the rocks are metamorphosed to green schist facies. Vein-type copper
mineralization is very common in the pyroclastic–volcanic suites (e.g., Kohandan,
Dare Darvishan, Sivaleh, Nosrat Abad, Aziz Abad, and Kan Sorkh copper indica-
tions). Talcum is also deposited within the dolomites and schists that can be extracted
economically (e.g., Deh Moosa, Deh Haji, and Masood Abad talcum deposits).
Late Triassic–Jurassic Lithostratigraphic Units: Overlying the older rocks, a sequence
of thickly bedded shale, sandstone, slate, and phillite with quartz intercalation exists that
is overlain unconformably by the Cretaceous rocks. This sequence is metamorphosed in
the western direction, with the degree of metamorphism increasing from Golpaygan to
Boroojerd and Malayer and further toward Hamedan where they are called Hamedan
phyllites by Seyyed Emami et al. (1971). The author believes that these rocks are of Late
Triassic–Early Jurassic age and are equivalent to Nayband and Shemshak Formations.
The Late Triassic–Jurassic rocks are not important from the point of view of mineraliza-
tion (whether metallic or nonmetallic), but the lead–zinc deposits of the belt have been
attributed to them by some experts due to their serving as the host for such deposits.
Moreover, at places where intrusive rocks have been emplaced, graphite deposits, and
indications are found; economic silica lenses are also common at many localities.
Cretaceous Rock Formations: The prograding conglomerate that lies unconformably
over the Jurassic rocks marks the beginning of the Cretaceous succession (Thiele et al.
1968; Momen-Zadeh 1976). Sandstones and orbitoline limestone (Aptian–Albian)

follow in the sequence. The Cretaceous rocks of this belt are dominantly car-
bonaceous in nature. Occasionally, submarine volcanic rocks underlie the
carbonates.
Thiele et al. (1968) have classified the Cretaceous rocks into the following units
(from older to younger):
1. Sandy conglomerate horizons of upper Middle Cretaceous
2. Thinly layered limestones and marls
3. Massive orbitoline limestone
4. Thinly bedded limestone with shale and marl intercalations
The main host of the lead–zinc and iron–manganese deposits of Malayer–Esfahan
Belt is Cretaceous rocks so that all the economic deposits of these metals are found
in Cretaceous limestones. Momenzadeh (1976) is of the opinion that these deposits
are confined to certain geologic horizons (Fig. 6.15).
Tertiary Untis: Being exposed in the central parts of the belt, the Tertiary rocks are
not so important and are seen as peripheral volcanic and sedimentary rocks.
Igneous Activity
The igneous rocks of the Malayer–Esfahan Metallogenic Belt can be divided into
two categories (Ghorbani 2002a):
Plutonic Rocks: Granitic intrusive bodies that have intruded into the metamor-
phosed Precambrian–Paleozoic rocks (Mooteh area) are granitic to granodioritic
in composition. Thiele et al. (1968) have assigned these rocks to Precambrian.
Whereas the intrusives that cut across Jurassic shales and sandstones are granitic
to granodioritic in composition (e.g., granitic bodies of Boroojerd, Astaneh, and
Kolah Ghazi), the plutonic bodies intruded within the marls and shales of
Cretaceous are smaller and vary in composition from granite to diorite and
gabbrodiorite.
There is a lot of controversy regarding the age of the intrusive bodies but recent
works have revealed a Mesozoic (Jurassic–Cretaceous) age for them (e.g., Boroujerd
granite, Astaneh granite, Alvand granite). The intrusive bodies play no role in the
formation of lead–zinc, copper, and iron in this belt, but some of the gold deposits
and indications are either directly or indirectly associated with them (e.g., Astaneh
and Mooteh granite). The author believes that if the magma that formed the intru-
sives has passed the metamorphosed Precambrian–Paleozoic igneous rocks, the
chances of gold mineralization increase.
Some of the intrusive bodies of the Malayer–Esfahan Belt are of S-type and thus
the probability of tungsten, tin, and molybdenum mineralization around them is
high; the Nezam Abad tungsten indication, Deh Hosein and Chal-e Homa tin
deposits fall in this category. A few nonmetallic deposits such as silica and graphite
are directly or indirectly associated with these intrusive bodies (Jahangiri 1999;
Ghorbani 2002b).
Fig. 6.15 Schematic view of lithostratigraphy of Malayer-Isfaha axis along with mineralized
horizons (Momen-zadeh 1976)
Volcanic Rocks: The volcanic rocks of the Malayer–Esfahan Belt can temporally be
divided into four groups:
Precambrian–Paleozoic: These rocks, which are completely metamorphosed, vary
in composition from basalt to rhyolite and are exposed in and around Mooteh, Azna,
and Golpaygan. The geochemical analysis of these rocks points toward the presence
of high gold content.
Upper Paleozoic–Lower Triassic: The volcanic rocks of this time interval vary from
andesite to rhyolite and are intermingled with sedimentary rocks. The underlie
Upper Triassic–Jurassic sandstones, shales, phyllites, and slates with no outcrops
except at a few locations such as Aligoodarz. Due to their limited exposures, the
mineralogy and petrology of the volcanic rocks of Upper Paleozoic–Lower Triassic
have not been studied in detail. However, they seem to be responsible for the copper
mineralization within the area and might be responsible for the origin of lead–zinc
deposits within the younger rocks.
Lower Cretaceous: At parts of Malayer–Esfahan Belt (Ashtiyan, Shams Abad, etc.),
volcanic rocks of andesitic composition are exposed, which are mostly covered by
Middle to Upper Cretaceous sediments. Based on field evidence, their extensive
distribution at the Sanandaj–Sirjan Zone, and silicic metasomatism of Cretaceous
rocks of Robat Makan (Ashtiyan), these rocks seem to be limited to the western
limits of the belt only. The volcanic rocks of the Cretaceous age have been directly
or indirectly responsible for lead–zinc, iron, and manganese mineralization within
Cretaceous hosts (at least in the western limits).
Tertiary: These have very limited exposures within the Malayer–Esfahan Metallogenic
Belt and only outcrop toward the eastern limits. No major mineralization has been
reported from these rocks.
Metamorphism
Limited metamorphism has occurred around the intrusive bodies within the Malayer–
Esfahan Belt that can be grouped into two main metamorphic facies: The area on the
southwest to the northwest of the belt that hosts most of the mines and within which
the change in facies is gradual from low temperature–low pressure conditions to low
temperature–high pressure, and the area on the north which a part of Malayer–Esfahan
metamorphic zone and within which the change of facies occur discontinuously from
low temperature (above) to high temperature–medium pressure (Hosseini 2011).
Mineralization
Apart from extensive lead–zinc mineralization that will be covered in detail in the
later parts of the book, the following mineralizing zones have been recognized in
the Malayer–Esfahan Belt:
1. Shams Abad–Nezam Abad (Shazand) metallogenic zone with lead–zinc, gold,
silver, tungsten, and tin mineral deposits
2. Ahangaran metallogenic zone with lead–zinc, silver, iron, and manganese

mineral deposits
3. Mooteh gold-bearing zone
Some of these localities are presented in Fig. 6.13.
Lead–Zinc Mineralization: Over 120 deposits and indications of lead–zinc have
been reported from the Malayer–Esfahan Belt with a proved reserve (extracted and
in place) of more than 60 million tons (Ghorbani 2000b). Half of these fall within the
Esfahan region, whereas the other half are located in Khomein, Ashtiyan, Malayer,
and Shams Abad areas. The deposits and indications are of stratabound type and are
limited to Lower Cretaceous limestones, limey-dolomitic shales, and sometimes
sandstone, although some are hosted by older rocks (e.g., Sakiye-bala deposit).
Lead–zinc mineralization is in the form of layered veins and lenses.
Silicic, dolomitic, and calcic metasomatism is seen in association with these
deposits in the western parts of the belt around Rabat, Kalishe, and Emarat,
while on the east (Anjire–Tiran, Esfahan), such metasomatic effects are absent
(Ghorbani 2000b).
Various opinions about the mode of origin of the lead–zinc deposits of the
Malayer–Esfahan Belt have been put forth that can be grouped into two categories:
1. Sedex-type origin dominantly supported by Momenzadeh and coworkers who
have studied the entire area of the belt.
2. Mississippi Valley Type (MVT) origin supported by various works each having
studied a part of the belt.
It seems that both types of mineralization processes have played a role in the
formation of lead–zinc deposits with sedex type being dominant in the west belt
and Mississippi type in the east. However, some of these deposits in the west are
MVT. Considering the characteristics of the Cretaceous host rocks of these depos-
its, the author believes that the solutions produced by metamorphism affected
Triassic–Jurassic slates and phyllites during Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous
that resulted in the deposition of lead–zinc minerals within the faults zone, which
follows and exhibits mineral formation of Mississippi type.
Gold Mineralization: Gold mineralization occurs at two horizons in the Malayer–
Esfahan Belt:
1. Within Precambrian–Paleozoic rocks along fault zones, for example, Mooteh and
Azna gold deposits, though the deposition process seems to be of younger age.
2. In association with some Mesozoic intrusive bodies, for example, Astaneh Granite.
Iron and Manganese Mineralization: Iron and iron–manganese mineralization has
taken place within Precambrian–Paleozoic and Cretaceous rocks of this metallo-
genic belt with the former (Precambrian–Paleozoic) being uneconomic.
Tin and Tungsten Mineralization: Along the hornfelses and granites or sometimes
even within the metamorphosed Lower Cretaceous rocks, tin and tungsten (e.g.,
Nezam Abad–Arak) or only tin (e.g., Deh Hosein and Chaleh Homa – south of
Astaneh; Ashna Khor and Khak Abad – east of Aligoodarz) have taken place.
Copper Mineralization: At places where the Upper Paleozoic–Lower Triassic

basement rocks are exposed, indications of copper mineralization have been
observed. No detailed investigations have been performed on such deposits.
Nonmetallic Minerals: The Malayer–Esfahan Metallogenic Belt includes many
metallic and nonmetallic deposits and indications that were briefly discussed under
the geology of the area. The nonmetallic deposits of the belt comprise talc, graphite,
barite, and constructions stones which are economically very important.
6.3.3.2 Esfandaghe–Faryab Chromium Ophiolite Belt
This belt is located on the southern termination of Urumiyeh–Dokhtar, bounded on

the east by the Jazmoorian depression, on the south–southwest by Makran and
Zagros, and on the north by the volcanic rocks of Urumiyeh–Dokhtar (Fig. 6.16).
There are two chromite-bearing regions within this belt, namely, Esfandaghe and
Faryab, which are the largest chromium reserves discovered in Iran. All the chro-
mite deposits occurring in Esfandaghe–Faryab are of Alpine type.
6.3.4 Northeast Metallogenic Province (Taknar

and Kavir–Sabzevar Metallogenic Belts)
This province is bounded to Miami and Neyshabour–Torbant–jam faults in north.

In fact, it is a trapezoid block located between Binaloud, Alborz and Lut zones, which
encompasses the cities of Torbat–jam, Kashmar, Bardskan, Neyshabour, Sabzevar, and
Shahroud and also stretches toward south of Damghan and Semnan desert (Fig. 6.17).
From geological and metallogenical standpoints, this province can be divided
into two belts of Kavir–Sabzevar and Taknar. Before proceeding to describe these
two belts, the faults within this metallogenic province are cited first.
The Miami fault separates Sabzevar from eastern Alborz zone. This fault is
parallel to the Dorouneh fault. It fault trends in the NE–SW direction and turns to
the Neyshabour–Torbatjam fault with the NW–SE direction, which separates the
Alborz zone from Binaloud zone.
In fact, two faults of Miami and Neyshabour–Torbatjam can be considered as the
Miami–Torbatjam fault (Lindenberg et al. 1983).
6.3.4.1 Geology of Taknar–Torbatjam Metallogenic Belt
Taknar zone is bounded to two major faults: Dorouneh fault in the south and
Riyoush (Taknar) fault in the north. Both faults trend in approximately E–W
direction. The Riyoush fault merges with the Dorouneh fault at north of Dorouneh
village and draws the western boundary of the Taknar zone.
Fig. 6.16 Metallogenic map of Esfandagheh – Faryab area (Ghorbani 2002a, 2006b)
6.3
259
Fig. 6.17 Metallogenic map of Taknar and Kavir- Sabzevar belts (Ghorbani 2000b, 2002a)
The Taknar metallogenic zone in north of the Dorouneh fault uplifted as a

wedge-shaped block and caused the Paleozoic, Mesozoic, and Cenozoic rocks to show
up at the surface (Boroumandi 1982; Ghorbani 2012a). Due to the function of nearby
faults, the western boundary of this belt turned into an erosion fenêtre that caused the
old rocks of Taknar Formation to outcrop. The core of Taknar Formation consists
of volcanic and volcanosedimentary rocks of Taknar Formation with a thickness of
1,650–1,850 m. The top of this core is covered with a sequence of younger clastic
and carbonate sediments with a thickness of 200–2,250 m.
Taknar Formation is made of a series of volcanosedimentary rocks that are
host rock to Taknar massive sulfide deposit, which can be considered as the oldest
mineralization phase within this belt (Ghorbani 2002a; Feyzi 2005).
Due to disorderliness in the Riyoush fault system, the eastern boundary of the
Taknar zone features significant diversity in lithology and mineralization (during
Tertiary in particular).
6.3.4.2 Mineralization in Kavir–Sabzevar Belt
This belt is called as the Sabzevar zone by most geologists, which stretches from
east of Neyshabour to Sarkavir Semnan and covers areas such as Neyshabour,
Sabzevar, Abbasabad, Miami, Sarkavir Semnan (Moaleman area), and south of
Damghan. The Kavir–Sabzevar metallogenic belt is bounded to the Miami and
Neyshabour–Torbantjam faults in the north, Riyoush jault in the southeast, and
Dorouneh fault in the southwest.
This metallogenic and mineralization belt is divided into two main sections:
(a) The ophiolitic section, which is a band stretching out from east of Neyshabour
to west of Foroumad. This band is separated into two unequal parts by the
Neyshabour Plain.
Wide chromite mineralization occurred within the ophiolitic body of this
band whose chromite deposits are of high-grade type chromites in Iran
(e.g., Foroumad deposit, Gaft deposit).
(b) The volcanic rocks are seen in mountain ranges between Sabzevar and Ghoochan
within the ophiolitic body as well as in Abbasabad–Sarkavir area. These rocks
are younger than ophiolitic body (Eocene–Pliocene) and are found in the vicinity
of ophiolitic belt and in some cases encompassing the ophiolitic belt. These
rocks include Eocene andesite, Oligocene–Pliocene dacitic intrusive bodies,
alkaline basalt, and Miocene–Pliocene shoshonite (Spies et al. 1983). During
the formation of these rocks, a relatively extensive mineralization of copper,
gold-bearing copper, and sometimes lead and zinc occurred.
As mentioned earlier, wide but scattered chromite deposits formed, among which
the Foroumad deposit is the most important deposit discovered so far. The miner-
alization evidences identified within the ultramafic part of ophiolites in Sabzevar
bespeak of high likelihood of existence of high-grade chromite deposits. Therefore,
more precise and detailed exploration work is required throughout this area.
Fig. 6.18 A view of Toroud mining area between two Anjiloo and Toroud faults (After Houshmand-
Zadeh et al. 1978)
Within post-ophiolitic rocks of Sabzevar mineralization of gold, gold-bearing

copper, lead and zinc, and copper is seen, mostly in the form of vein, within the
volcanic rocks of the Kavir–Sabzevar zone. No sign of porphyry copper miner-
alization has yet been identified along this belt (Ghorbani 2000f).
In general, the mineralization of copper, gold, lead, and zinc within the Kavir–
Sabzevar metallogenic belt can be divided into two mining districts:
• Abbasabad mining district in southeast of Miami with copper and gold-bearing
copper mineralization
• Sarkavir mining district with zinc, lead, copper, and copper–gold mineralization
There are many nonmetallic deposits such as bentonite and kaolinite; feldspar
and silica have been discovered within the Kavir–Sabzevar Belt.
6.3.4.3 Toroud Metallogenic Area (Cu, Fe, Pb–Zn, Au)
The Toroud–Chah Shirin metallogenic area is located in the northern part of Central
Iran zone, south of Damghan. The area is bounded between two faults: Toroud fault
in the south and Anjilou fault in the north, both trending E–W. Other faults with
N–S trend are also seen in the area (Fig. 6.18).
The Toroud–Chah Shirin area mainly consists of volcanic to volcanosedimentary
rocks such as andesite, andesite–basalt, volcanic andesite–trachyte breccias, and acid
tuffs, which are cut through by intermediate to acid intrusive bodies including
diorite, monzonite, syenite, tonalite, and granodiorite. The magmatic rocks in the
area generally fall in alkaline series bucket and feature an intracontinental rift. This
volcanic-intrusive belt forms a volcano-plutonic arc in the form of an elongated ellipse
whose major axis trends northeast–southwest. One of the significant features in this
area is the presence of Eocene and Eo–Oligocene magmatism (Ghorbani 2012a).
There are many mineral deposits and indications with metallic variety seen in
this area, which are distributed in a specific order (e.g., Chah-mousi copper deposit,
Gandi gold deposit, Abolhasan gold deposit, Kuh-zard and Bagho gold deposits,
Khan-jaroo lead–zinc deposit). Mineralization in some of these deposits follows
exactly east–west direction (e.g., Abolhasani gold deposit), and in some others,
north–south direction (Chah-mousi copper deposit). Generally, mineralization is
bounded and controlled by major faults in the area. So far more than 20 metallic
deposits such as Cu, Au, Pb, Zn, Fe, and turquoise have been identified in this area,
and although they are small in size all of them have significant grade that makes
them economically valuable in the current situation.
The Toroud area witnessed magmatic activities since very old geologic time.
These activities began weakly in Paleozoic and Mesozoic due to tectonic events,
and hit their peak in Tertiary, which left significant volumes of igneous rocks
throughout during this time. In Tertiary, the magmatic activities began in the Lutetian
stage and continued through Middle Eocene and came to a halt in Late Eocene, and
then resumed their activity at the end of Late Eocene to Early Oligocene and the
nature and mechanism of these activities shifted from volcanism toward plutonism
(Ghorbani 2007a). However, the intensity of such activities was not as immense
compared to the primary phase, and they shut down very soon.
The volcanic rocks in the area can be summarized as follows:
• The volcanic rocks in the southern part of the area consist of olivin–basalt,
differentiated olivine–basalt, and pyroxene–andesite, which intercalate with
sedimentary rocks (especially nummulite-bearing limestone and sandstone).
• The volcanic rocks in the northern part of the area mostly include rocks with more
acidic composition leaning toward more andesite type and less basalt and dacite.
• The volcanic rocks in the southern part include lavas in the form of flows and
columns with aphanitic texture.
• Toward the north, there are rocks of intermediate to more acidic nature, which
are characterized with porphyritic texture and plagioclase phenocrysts such as
amphibole, pyroxene, and biotite.
• The volcanoclastic rock complex is seen as intercalation with lavas in different
parts of the area.
The plutonic rocks in the area can be summarized as follows.
• The volcanic rocks in Toroud–Chah Shirin area have been cut through by inter-
mediate to acid intrusive bodies in form of dome, stock, or dike.
• These can be as large as a few km2, with the largest being Chalou (25 km2).
• Except for one intrusive body (Gandi in northeast Moaleman), the rest of these
plutonic bodies feature microgranular or porphyritic texture and are considered
as semi-deep type of body (Ghorbani 2012a).
• The petrographic composition of these bodies mainly includes monzodiorite–

granodiorite–granite, and intermediate to basic dike cut through these bodies.
• The nature of the magmatic series of Eocene volcanic rocks in the Toroud area
and associated intrusive bodies is mainly high-potassium calc–alkaline to alka-
line (shoshonite).
• It is to be noted that the volcanic rocks in the Toroud area belong to one magmatic
phase with age of Eocene, and the intrusive bodies that were injected through these
rocks later on show genetic relation with these volcanic rocks (Ghorbani 2007a).
Alteration in Toroud Area
Since the intrusive bodies in the area are more acidic than volcanic rocks, the hydro-
thermal solutions produced by these intrusive bodies caused silicic alteration in
most cases, and therefore silicic alteration is the dominant type in the Toroud area.
Four types of alterations are seen in the area as described next:
• Silicic alteration: Such alteration is mostly bounded and controlled by faults, and
it is traceable wherever the intrusive bodies are widely spread. Silicic alteration
is very important in regard to gold mineralization. As an example, silicic altera-
tion is seen north of Gandi where Abolhasani gold deposit is located and is spread
out for a few kilometers.
• Propylytic alteration: This alteration type is seen in many places within the
Toroud metallogenic area although they are mostly local. There are some specific
places where propylytic alteration is seen:
– In places where basic dikes cut through surrounding rocks in the area (along
the edges of dikes)
– Along the contact line between volcanic rocks and intrusive bodies
– In fractures in hard volcanic rocks
– It is to be noted that propylytic alteration had no role in mineralization in the
area, and it only helps to determine the mineralization borders and limits
when it comes to iron mineralization studies.
• Argillic alteration: This type of alteration is widely seen in pyroclastic rocks
especially in tuffs. Argillic alteration had a major role in kaolinite and bentonite
mineralization along the Rashm-Gandi axis (north of Moaleman).
• Potassic and sericitic alteration: Although some weak signs of sericitic alteration
are seen and traceable in some mineral veins, no sign of potassic alteration has
been found in the area so far.
In general, two specific types of mineralization are seen in the area: metallic and
nonmetallic. Metallic mineralization includes iron, copper, gold, lead, and zinc. For
nonmetallic mineralization, we can refer to bentonite, kaolinite, feldspar, and
semi-precious stones.
Metallic mineralization in the area can be summarized as follows:
• Veins and veinlets: Most metallic mineralization is seen in the form of veins and
veinlets, which are mostly controlled by the faults and are of hydrothermal origin.
• Lens and massive: Such mineralization type is mostly specific to bentonite,

kaolinite, and feldspar deposits, which generally originated from acid tuffs.
• Lens: Most iron deposits in the area are lentoid such as Baloujeh and Panj-kuh in
north of the Toroud.
• Porphyry: The reality is that the geology, magmatism, and alteration of the area
indicate that the Toroud area lacks porphyry copper mineralization for the fol-
lowing reasons:
– Only two magmatic phases occurred in the area.
– No sign of porphyry alteration is seen in the area.
– No sign of porphyry copper found as studied by the aerial and satellite images.
– From the tectonic and structural geology standpoints, Toroud is not suitable
for the formation of porphyry copper deposits.
Metallogenic Districts in Toroud Area
Considering the characteristics of this metallogenic belt, five metallogenic districts

can be defined within this belt:
1. Moaleman: There are three major rock units in this district:
• Sedimentary rocks including carbonate, sandstone, and shale, which had
almost no role in mineralization in the area.
• Volcanoclastic rocks, especially acid tuffs, spread out discontinuously from
Rashm to northeast of Gandi. These tuffs are the source for bentonite and
kaolinite deposits in the area such as the Rashm bentonite, Soosanvar benton-
ite, and Gandi kaolinite deposits.
• Volcanic and sub volcanic rocks that caused significant mineralization and include
andesite, andesite-basalt, trachyte, rhyolite, and acidic sub volcanic rocks.
Mineralization in these rocks is summarized as follows:
• Gold: Gandi and Kakiyeh gold deposits
• Copper and gold: Abol-hassani copper and gold deposit
• Iron: Chalou iron deposit
• Lead and gold: Cheshmesh sefid lead and gold indication
2. Robaei: This district is located east of Rashm gorge and consists of three major
rock units:
• Paleozoic metamorphic rocks including marble-schist
• Cretaceous carbonate sedimentary rocks
• Intermediate to acid intrusive bodies that are not large
In this metallogenic district, the metamorphic and carbonate sedimentary rocks
played the role of host rock.
• Lead and zinc: Khanjar Rashm, Anarou, Robaei, Sang-kar, Tanoreh, Tangeh,
Par-magasou, Akhori, Ghale-dokhtar, and Bozeh
• Iron: Heshdeh deposit and Kam-anjir iron indication

• Manganese: Chah-gabri deposit
3. Kuhzar–Baghou: There are also three rock units in this district that played a role
in the mineralization and accumulation of mineral deposits, and can be divided
as follows:
• Volcanic rocks with composition of mostly andesite, andesite–basalt, and
trachyte–andesite
• Tonalite to granite intrusive bodies
• Pliocene to Early Quaternary alluvium
• Gold: Kuhzar gold deposit originated from intrusive bodies and associated
solutions.
• Turquoise: Baghou turquoise deposit, which is associated with the andesite
rocks in this district.
• Placer gold: This type of placer gold accumulation can be remarkable
within the whole Pliocene and Early Quaternary alluvium in northern
plains of this district.
4. Polymetal district north of Toroud: It is located north of Toroud (Fig. 6.19) and
mainly consists of Eocene volcanic and pyroclastic rocks and Eocene–
Oligocene intrusive bodies. These bodies penetrated into volcanic and pyro-
clastic rocks and released hydrothermal solutions into these rocks that led to
the formation of polymetal deposits. Some of these polymetal deposits are as
follows:
• Gholeh Kaftaran
• Chah Mousa
• Chah Galeh
• Cheshmeh Hafez
5. Chah Shirin–Kalout: This metallogenic district is seen on the west of the Toroud
area and mainly consists of Eocene volcanic and pyroclastic rocks, and meta-
morphic rocks. Oligo–Miocene intrusive bodies cut through the aforementioned
rock units, and the major factors in mineralization in this district were the very
same hydrothermal solutions released from these intrusive bodies. Copper, lead,
and zinc are the main mineralization in this district, and some of the significant
deposits are as follows:
• Chah Faragh
• Chah Farsakh
• Chah Farakh
• Chah Bod
• Sar-shirin
• Kalout
• Kalout-e Boland
• Sar Kalateh Mehran 1 and 2
ate
rna
ry
Q Quaternary Sediment Fault
Qu
Covered Fault
QPL
M
ioc
ene
QPI
M
Plio-Pleistocene Conglomerate
Marl, Conglomerate, Sandstone, Saline mudstone,
Bedded Rock, Gypsum And Salt
Anticline
Syncline
N
ne C
oce
Oli
g O Conglomerate Dips 1°-29°
30°-59°
E Tuff,Tuffaceous Sandstone, Shale, Some Sandstone
V4
Well (chah)
E Tuff Breccias and Clastic Rocks
* Fossil Locality
Eocene
V Tuff Breccias and Lava Breccia

E3
V2
Elevation in metter
E Dacitic Volcanic Breccia
Mine
E V1 Andesite Lava Flows and Volcanic Breccia
Abadoned Mine
N Nummulitic Limestone
Qanat (underground canal)
Cretaceous
K 1 Limestone Section Area

K
Cu:Cupper
Limestone and detritic Rocks in General { Pb:Lead
Tq:Turquoise
55°00'
Chah Mora
Gd Andesite-Dacite dome 54°45'
D
Qpl
D Granite,Granodiorite,Monzonite,
Quartzmonzodiorote,Monzodiirite
t V4
MR Metamirphic Rocks Q E
54°30'
1
K
1118 t
Gd Q
54°15'
D'
35°30' 35°30'
E
1
K Chah Farah Tanureh
Darvish
Q
t Alikhan Cu
C
1400 Cu,Tq Vanargu-e- V3
Gd
Kokeh Soukhteh E
B
Chah Tangu Khalow Nava Satveh

E'
Qpl Baghu Vanargue Avaz

Chh Shur Qpl
1400 Kuhshah Q
Goleki Touton
Q
Chah Zard Kalateh Qpl Hessani 2319 V2 E
V2
Kalowhaji E t TORUD
Dizow Q
Pinand Cu
Dran Tangueh
Haj Sadeq Salamabad Cu
Klateh E N
Ziati
M.R Amujafar
V1 M
E
D
Qpl
M.R Qpl
2171
* K
B'
V2
E E
M
*
2299 Gandab
V2 t
E E Pb
*
Q
C'
M.R
2263 Pb
M.R
V2 E
E
Mehdiabad Bidestan
Reshm
M
t to Saweh M
E Pb Q Mo t
M
A
35°15' em
all
Q 35°15'
c
an E
O N
A'
54°15' 54°30'
54°45' 55°00'
km
0 5 20 15 20
Fig. 6.19 Metallogenic map of Toroud area
6.3.5 Alborz Metallogenic Province
Alborz is a mountain range in north of Iran with a length of about 1,000 km and its width
varies between 50 and 100 km. It covers an area of about 5,200 km2. This mountain
range starts from Gorgan stretching like an arc along the south side of the Caspian
Sea and ends in Astara. From a geographic standpoint, this mountain range trends
in the east–west direction and stretches from Azerbaijan to Khorasan. Eastwardly it
enters into Afghanistan and westwardly sneaks into Caucasus (Fig. 6.20).
6.3.5.1 Tarom–Hashtjin Metallogenic Belt
From a structural point of view, this belt is confined from the north by the Sefidrood
fault, from the south by the continuation of the Tabriz–Soltanieh and Soltanieh–
Takestan faults, and from the west by the Astara–Marivan fault (Ghorbani 1999f).
Fig. 6.20 Structural zoning of Alborz and adjacent structures in west and east (Ghorbani et al.
2005)
This belt covers the area between Qazvin (west of Taleghan) and north–northwest
of Mianeh and is bounded on the north by the Manjil Embayment and Talesh
Mountains and on the south by the Abhar–Znjan–Mianeh axis.
Structurally, the Tarom–Hashtjin Belt is limited by three major faults, namely,
Sefidrud fault on the north, extension of Tabriz–Soltanieh and Soltanieh–Takestan
faults on the south, and Astara–Marivan fault on the west (Ghorbani 2006b)
Volcanic rocks of Tarom vary in composition from rhyodacite and dacite to
basalt, which are in the form of lavas, tuffs, and tuffites.
The intrusive bodies consist of granite, alkaline granite, granodiorite, monzogran-
ite, monzonite, quartz monzodiorite, syenite, alkaline syeite, and quartz syenite.
The nature of magmatic melt of these rocks is shoshonite and potassium-rich
calc–alkaline I-type granite.
Shallower igneous bodies in the form of porphyrite with a general composition inclined
toward that of monzonite are seen along the main intrusive body, which played an impor-
tant role in the formation of hydrothermal metasomatism and mineralization processes
Geology and Mineralization Processes
This belt covers the area between Qazvin (west of Taleghan) and north–northwest
of Mianeh and is bounded on the north by the Manjil Embayment and Talesh
Mountains and on the south by the Abhar–Znjan–Mianeh axis.
Structurally, the Tarom–Hashtjin Belt is limited by three major faults, namely,

Sefidrud fault on the north, extension of Tabriz–Soltanieh and Soltanieh–Takestan
faults on the south, and Astara–Marivan fault on the west (Ghorbani 1999f;
Fig. 6.21).
Many experts (e.g., M. Nabavi) consider the Tarom–Hashtjin Metallogenic Belt
as a part of western Alborz zone. However, the author is of the opinion that, at least
in Tertiary times, due to the mode of metamorphism and mineralization processes,
there are substantial differences between the two, which can be summarized as
follows:
1. Rocks considered as equivalents of Karaj Formation in the Tarom–Hashtjin Belt
are more basic in composition and as a result the proportion of volcanic lava
flows increases as compared to pyroclastics contrary to the composition of Karaj
Formation, where the latter are the preeminent rock successions. In fact, the
central parts of Alborz are dominantly composed of acidic tuffs while the major
volume of rocks in Tarom–Hashtjin is andesites and andesitic basalts.
2. In the Tarom–Hashtjin Belt, the ancient rocks are not exposed within the central
parts and the basement is mostly composed of Tertiary intrusives. However, in
central Alborz, the ancient basement is in excess of younger intrusives.
3. Copper, gold, lead–zinc, barium, and manganese mineralization is very common
in the Tarom–Hashtjin Belt, whereas in central Alborz they are rare.
4. The volcanic rocks of Tarom vary in composition from rhyodacite and dacite to
basalt, which are in the form of lavas, tuffs, and tuffites. Petrographical studies carried
out on the rocks of Tarom–Hashtjin reveal the presence of basalt, andesite–basalt,
andesite, trachyte, latite, trachyandesite, dacite, rhyodacite, ignimbrite, and acidic
to intermediate tuffs with andesites forming the bulk of the rocks. Moein–Vaziri
(1996) is of the opinion that most Eocene volcanics of Tarom (Tarom–Hashtjin)
are potassic–alkaline, sodic–alkaline, or calc–alkaline in nature and andesites
are of shoshonite composition. Feldspathoid are rarely formed in the Eocene
volcanic rocks but contain considerable percentages of orthopyroxene.
Zareie (1992) showed the relationship between the acidic and basic intrusive bodies
within the area, many of which, in the Tarom–Hashtjin Belt, cut across Eocene
volcanics everywhere. They are in turn overlain by Qom Formation with a noncon-
formity and are thus Late Eocene–Oligocene in age. The intrusive bodies consist of
granite, alkaline granite, granodiorite, monzogranite, monzonite, quartz monzodiorite,
syenite, alkaline syenite, and quartz syenite. Studies by Peyrovan (1992), Torkaman
(1997), and Moayyed (2001) have all indicated that the intrusive bodies are of
I-type. The field, petrographic, and mineralogical observations by the author points
to Cordillerian I-type nature for these rocks.
Haj Aliloo (2000) has determined the depth and temperature of formation of
the igneous intrusives at 1,400–3,000 m and 700–880°C, respectively. He further
concludes that due to high water content and sulfur fugacity, extensive hydro-
thermal metasomatism along with scattered vein mineralization has occurred within
Eocene tuffites and volcanics. Petrological evidence indicates a post-collisional
magmatic arc for the origin of the plutonic activity within the area (Moayyed 2001).
Fig. 6.21 Metallogenic map of Tarom–Hashtjin Belt (Ghorbani 2000b)
The nature of magmatic melt of these rocks has been shoshonite and potassium-rich
calc–alkaline I-type granite.
Shallower igneous bodies in the form of porphyrite with a general composition
inclined toward that of monzonite are seen along the main intrusive body, which
played an important role in the formation of hydrothermal metasomatism and
mineralization processes (Arian Zamin 2009).
Structural elements such as axes of the anticlines and synclines as well as the
east–west northwest–southeast trending faults have all been responsible for the
emplacement of the intrusive bodies and the distribution of hydrothermal metaso-
matic alteration zones.
Thermometric studies (Hajali-lou 2000) carried out on the vein-type mineraliza-
tion zones around the metasomatic aureoles and silicic veins within them point
toward a high temperature for the formation of the mineral bodies. Moreover, it is
also observed that with the increasing distance from the intrusive body and the
center of metasomatism, the temperature drops. However, there is no evidence of
porphyry copper mineralization in the area. Chlorite thermometry reveals a 340–
365°C temperature of formation for the propylitic metasomatic zone and medium
temperature for the formation of argillites (Hajali-lou 2000). Further, lead–zinc
mineralization has taken place at the same time, or shortly after the formation of
the propylite zone.
Other metasomatic zones, such as serricitic, argillic (weak, medium, and advanced),
silicic, chloritic, propylitic, zeolitic, and alonitic, have also been recognized in the
area of the Tarom–Hashtjin Metallogenic Belt (Hajali-lou 2000).
Due to the presence of two distinct phases of metasomatism (local and regional),
the relationship between metasomatism and mineralization requires to be accurately
investigated to throw light on the local metasomatic activity within the area.
Mineralographic studies by Haj Aliloo (2000) have revealed the presence of
bornite, chalcocite, covellite, chalcopyrite, malachite, azurite, dijenite, pyrite,
arsenopyrite, galena, sphalerite, tetrahedrite, freibergite, sericite, magnetite,
limonite, hematite, and lepidocrocite in the vein-type mineralized zones of the
Aghkand–Hashtjin Region. Copper mineralization is mainly in the form of
chalcopyrite, covellite, bornite, and occasionally as chalcopyrite. Electron probe
microanalysis studies (Hajali-lou 2000) have also thrown light on the presence of
small quantities of wolframite, shellite, enargite, tennantite, bismuthinite, and
ekanite that are mostly associated with the high-temperature pegmatitic phase of
mineralization. The author believes that this phase of mineralization can be traced
all along the Tarom–Hashtjin Belt with minor variations.
The presence of shoshonite-type (potassium-rich) intermediate-depth plutonic
bodies, high sulfur fugacity of hydrothermal solutions, extensive development of silicic
and alunitic metasomatism, and arsenic- and antimony-bearing telluride composition
in Hashtjin area along with small quantities of copper, silver, and molybdenum have
lead Haj Aliloo (2000) to the conclusion that there are high chances of formation of
mesothermal and porphyry-type gold deposits in the area. This is further supported
by the existence of copper (vein-type or otherwise), lead–zinc, and iron deposits that
show traces of gold.
The component areas of this metallogenic belt, namely, Tarom and Hashtjin,
slightly differ from each other from the point of view of mineralogy and igneous
petrology, and thus the belt can be divided into two parts based on the following
distinctions:
1. The bulk of the host rocks in both the areas consist of Karaj Formation, but acidic and
intermediate units are more in Tarom as compared to Hashtjin. Further, the composi-
tion of Karaj-equivalent volcanic rocks of Tarom is similar to porphyry-textured
andesite, whereas at Hashtjin they are of andesitic basalt type. The distribution of
acidic tuffs such as rhyolite and dacite in Tarom is more extensive; this explains the
presence of widespread hydrothermal metasomatic products in this part of the belt.
2. Plutonic bodies of the Tarom area are comparatively more acetic and diverse
than those of Hashtjin.
3. Though similar trend of mineralization is observed in both areas (dominated by
lead–zinc, copper, iron and manganese), copper and iron are more widespread in
Tarom. The average copper content of plutonic bodies of Tarom varies between
220 and 260 ppm, while lead, zinc, and silver are around 600, 800, and 8 ppm,
respectively. Plutonic rocks of Hashtjin have copper content of 30 ppm, lead
content of 40 ppm, and zinc content of 70 ppm, which is another reason for the
scarcity of copper deposits in the area (Haj Aliloo 2000).
4. Extensive iron mineralization is seen along with intrusive bodies of Tarom only.
5. Alunite deposits are more in Tarom as compared to Hashtjin, for example,
Yoozbash Chai, Kamar Rud, Nasr Abad, Sirdan, Zajkan, and Zajkandi. This has
been attributed to the type of host (potassium- and aluminum-rich) rock and
sulfur fugacity of hydrothermal solutions
6. The distribution of zone of serricitization in Hashtjin is more widespread as
compared to the Tarom Region.
7. Greissen-type metasomatism has not been reported from Tarom, but the silicified
zone (silica cap) is more extensive than Hashtjin.
8. Signs of gold mineralization are seen in both Hashtjin and Tarom areas. In Tarom,
gold is associated with copper deposits and indications, for example, Khalifeloo,
Abbasabad, and Chargar. Moreover, all the silicified and hematitized zones
show gold mineralization, for example, Asadi and Ghez Ghal’e villages. Haj
Aliloo (2000) has reported porphyry gold mineralization at Hashtjin where the
percentage of molybdenum is extremely low.
9. Minor amounts of tungsten have been shown to exist in both Tarom (Kuhian) and
Hashtjin (Kamar and Shah Alibeigloo villages).
6.3.5.2 Ahar–Jolfa Metallogenic Area (Arasbaran)
This metallogenic zone covers the areas to the north and west of Meshkin Shahr,
Ahar, Kalibar, Varzeghan and Siyah Rud, and Arasbaran and Qareh Dagh Hills.
The Ahar–Jolfa metallogenic zone is limited on the south–southwest by
the Tabriz–Soltanieh fault, on the east by the Ardebil–Mianeh fault, and on the
Fig. 6.22 Metallogenic map of Ahar- Jolfa area (Ghorbani 2011)
northeast by the embayment near the east–west trending Moghan fault. The extension
of this metallogenic zone on the north reaches the Minor Caucasus metallogenic
zone (Fig. 6.22).
Around Sefid Rud, the Alborz structural zone changes its east–west trend to
northwest–southeast. This change is brought about by the movement along three faults,
namely, Sefid Rud, Aras, and Talesh, the first two being left lateral while the last
being right lateral, making the block on the southwest to move relatively down, while
the block in between the Aras and Talesh faults on the northeast to move relatively
upward, resulting in the formation of a tensional zone limited by the two faults
(Talesh and Aras) leading to igneous activity during Quaternary (Sabalan Volcano).
Geology of Ahar Area
Structural Geology
The overall structure of Ahar–Jolfa Metallogenic Province has been formed as a
result of Alpine activity, the most intense of which was the Laramide orogeny at the
end of Cretaceous. Following this phase, the Pyrenean phase resulted in outpouring
of extensive lavas and pyroclastics. During the Late Eocene–Early Oligocene,
tectonic upheavals associated with emplacement of plutonic masses are dominant,

while in Miocene widespread extrusion of lavas and formation of small intrusive
bodies. The latter has continued up to the Quaternary (Ghorbani 2011).
According to Lescuyer and Riou (1976), following the granitization phase that
acted upon the Azerbaijan Plateau during Oligocene and resulted in the strengthening
of the plateau, Azerbaijan behaved like a microcontinent. This microcontinent was
situated between the Talesh Mountains and Caucasus Minor around 20 million years
ago (Aquitanian) connecting the Zagros thrust zone to the Caucasus suture zone by
transform faults (Zonenshain et al. 1989). Thus, the intense tectonic movements
that compressed the region in the north–south direction pushed the said micro-
continent toward north, resulting in the emergence of Caucasus from under the
sea. Simultaneously, the movement along the Soltanieh–Tabriz fault caused the
microcontinent to rotate and shift toward the north.
Most probably this rotational movement has resulted in the structural displace-
ment and reorientation of eastern parts of the Azerbaijan Plateau.
According to Zonenshein and Lopishoun (1986), the northward movement of
Arabian Peninsula during Middle Pliocene (3.5 Ma) has resulted in the activation of
Talesh and Caucasus transform faults, leading to the separation of Caspian sedimentary
basin from the Black Sea. Therefore, the Azerbaijan Plateau is presently in a state of
motion in the north–northeast direction and the Sabalan and Sahand Plio–Quaternary
volcanisms and the earthquakes within the area are the results of the said motion.
The most fascinating tectonic aspect of Azerbaijan is the association of Mid-Alpine
orogenic phase with an enormous folding phenomenon that led to the uplifting of the
Qareh Dagh area and emplacement of intrusive bodies along the Sabaln–Songoon
axis toward terminal Alpine (these are associated with volcanic activity and
mineralization elsewhere). The present features of the area have all been developed
through folding during the Alpine, Austrian, and Pasadenian orogenic phases
(Ghorbani 2011).
The northern parts of the area have probably been uplifted following the
Alpine tectonic activity. The presence of fragments of orbitoline limestone within the
Upper Cretaceous conglomerates is the testimony to the said movements. There are no
evidences of any stratigraphic hiatus between the Lower and Upper Cretaceous
rocks as well as the Upper Cretaceous and Paleocene rocks in the Qareh Dagh area.
The tectonic activity of the Late Cretaceous time is only seen in the north of the
area, which resulted in the southward displacement of the east–west trending
folds. Fissure eruptions that followed the compressional movements of Late
Cretaceous covered the pre-Paleogene topography under a thick column of volcanic
lava. A subsiding basin formed immediately after Early Eocene as evidenced by the
marl and limestone rocks covering the Eocene volcanics (Cheshmoghan Valley in
Astamal area) (Ghorbani 2011).
Miocene sedimentary basin had a structural trend independent of all the prior
basins. Contrary to the northern basin, an unconformity exists between Neogene rocks
and those older. Structural deformation during Late Miocene has led to the folding
of the Moghan Basin. While the diapiric structure of the Khaje Miocene basin was
being formed, the southern Miocene basin was being uplifted through intense folding
and faulting. The rise of the Arasbaran–Qousheh and Dagh–Sabalan range along
with continuous Plio–Quaternary inter-mountain embayment separated Varzeghan,
Ahar, and Meshkin Shahr from the southern basin. The fracturing resulting from this
phenomenon caused extensive volcanic activity during the Pliocene and Quaternary
times that formed Sabalan, after which the structural displacement was confined to
Tabriz, Qousheh Dagh, and Moghan high-angle faults.
Lithostratigraphy
Though the majority of rock types in Ahar–Jolfa are Tertiary igneous, older rocks
are also exposed in the area. The main rocks of Ahar–Jolfa Metallogenic Province
are described in order from the oldest to youngest in the following paragraphs
(Ghorbani 2011).
Pre-Late Cretaceous Rocks: The rock formations that have been formed prior to
Late Cretaceous can be grouped into two broad categories:
• Metamorphic rocks exposed to the north of Kalibar, east of Allahyarloo and a few
other localities whose composition is close to graywacke, phyllites, and marble.
• Jurassic–Cretaceous volcanosedimentary rocks that overlie the metamorphic are
exposed on the northern parts of Ahar quadrangle. They include volcanic, pyro-
clastic (andesitic composition), and sedimentary rocks (limestone, marly limestone,
and marl). These rocks are, in turn, covered by orbitolina-bearing limestones and
marls of Aptian–Albian age. However, the Aptian–Albian rock formations are limited
to the northwestern parts of Ahar quadrangle, that is, around the Aras River.
The schists and carbonates (Kalibar and Salavat Carbonates) of Albian to
Turonian age along with acid volcanics and pyroclastics (and their intermediate
submarine equivalents) are scattered in the northern parts of the quadrangle
(Ghorbani 2011). Field evidence reveals that the submarine volcanic activity
erupting acid to intermediate lavas extend their presence from end Albian times
(with their height in northwest of Ahar quadrangle). From Late Turonian times
they change in nature to basic types, while during Cenomanian once again the
acid–intermediate–basic sequence is repeated. Paleocene times witness a totally
different sequence of volcanic activities.
Paleocene–Eocene Volcanosedimentary Rocks: Though in continuation of Cretaceous
volcanosedimentary activities, the Paleocene–Eocene submarine volcanism was
more widespread both geologically and geographically in the Ahar–Jolfa zone
(Ghorbani 2011). As a result, large areas of the northern half as well as the central
parts of the zone have been covered by the products of this activity that are mostly
andesitic in nature. Due to the extent and intensity of sub-marine volcanic activi-
ties, their extrusive and pyroclastic products dominate over the sedimentary rocks
of this time which are limited in their exposures.
In Middle Eocene, volcanic activity was further aggravated in the form of
alkaline basalts (olivine latite), basalt, cratophyric and spillitic lavas, trachytic
lavas and pyroclastics, latite, dacite and trachyandesite along with tuff, volcanic
ash, and colloidal material with ignimbrite texture are widely distributed in the
northern and central parts of the quadrangle. This volcanic activity slowed
down by the end of Eocene and the beginning of Oligocene, marking a quiet
change from marine to semi-continental and continental environmental conditions.
Simultaneously, continental lavas and pyroclastics replace sub-marine volcanic
activity (Ghorbani 2011).
While the area was largely supplied through intensive volcanic activity during
the time interval of Mid to Late Eocene, tuffs, tuffites, and nummulitic marly-
limestones were deposited in limited thicknesses, whose outcrops are seen scattered
on the west and southwest of Ahar and Kighal–Barmalek areas.
Oligocene–Miocene Rock Suites: As mentioned earlier, the volcanic activity that
started in Cretaceous in the form of sub-marine lavas and pyroclastics changed its
nature to continental by Oligocene, giving rise to small- to medium-sized dikes
composed of andesite, alkaline syenites, and nepheline syenites. Their extrusive
equivalents outcrop as ignimbrite, acidic domes, and dacitic volcanic breccias
formed either on land or under very shallow marine conditions (Ghorbani 2011)
The associated sedimentary rocks include conglomerates, sandstones, reddish
marls and conglomerates, gypsiferous marls with sand, and silt intercalations mainly
exposed in the southern parts of Ahar–Jolfa Methallogenic Province.
Pliocene Volcanosedimentary Rocks: Shallow marine environmental conditions of
Miocene were gradually replaced by fresh water ponds and lakes of Pliocene, while
the igneous activity was once again dominated by extrusive phenomena; however,
in the form of pyroclastic material only on land. The pyroclastics include tra-
chyandesite domes, ignimbrites, and conglomerates that are largely scattered in the
southern half of the Ahar–Jolfa zone and around Varzeghan. While the pyroclastic
rocks are mostly exposed around Varzeghan and to the south of Sabalan, and
the trachyandesites and ignimbrites are found only to the south of Sabalan, their
sedimentary equivalents, that is, conglomerates and siltstones, are seen in the area
to the east of Ahar and west of Varzeghan (Ghorbani 2011).
Quaternary Lavas, Pyroclastics, and Sediments: Quaternary lavas and pyroclastics
cover parts of southern area of northeast Ahar quadrangle. Lavas having extruded
from Sabalan Volcano are scattered on the south of Meshkin Shahr while lavas and
pyroclastics suites were formed on the north of Varzeghan. The main craters of
Neogene volcanoes that resulted in the formation of volcanic suites of north
Varzeghan were apparently situated in the area between Kighal and Songoon in the
north–south direction, and between Laleh Bejan and Sari Chaman in east–west
direction (Ghorbani 2011).
Following the Quaternary volcanic activities or during the quiescence interval
between different phases, sedimentary rocks were deposited that are presently
exposed on the western parts of Ahar quadrangle (Tehran Padir 2002). Mid
Quaternary onward, the volcanic activities of Ahar area were limited to two
successive eruptions of Sabalan Volcano, the first resulting in the formation of
trachyandesites and the second forming acidic lavas and breccias along with
Pellean-type ignimbrite.
Igneous Classification of Ahar–Jolfa Zone (Ghorbani 2011)
Being one of the most active areas of Iran from the point of view of igneous activity,
Ahar–Jolfa is comparable with the Kerman area only. Though most parts of the
Orumieh–Dokhtar zone including Tarom–Hashtjin, Kavir–Sabzewar, and Anarak,
have witnessed igneous activity during Tertiary, no other area has displayed
volcanic and mineralization characteristics comparable with Ahar–Jolfa. Thus, it
can be deduced that Ahar–Jolfa is not similar to any other parts of Azerbaijan and
resembles the Kerman area in terms of Tertiary magmatic diversity.
While igneous activity started during the Late Cretaceous times in the Ahar–Jolfa
zone and continued intermittently till Quaternary, in other parts of Iran it is not so
persistent.
Taking into account the lithostratigraphic succession of Tertiary igneous rocks in
Ahar–Jolfa, the activity can be classified into four dominant phases:
1. Phase A: Having started in the Late Cretaceous times, this phase reached its
climax during Eocene (especially in Early to Middle Eocene). The beginning of
this phase corresponds to the onset of the overall igneous activity within the area.
It somewhat slowed down during Paleocene but once again heightened in Eocene,
forming enormous volumes of andesitic–dacitic volcanic rocks and acidic tuffs
that constitute the basement rocks of the area. This phase culminates with the
formation of a large caldera and small intrusive bodies. The major igneous activity
of this phase consists of volcanism.
2. Phase B: Following the intense volcanism of Early to Middle Eocene, the overall
igneous activities came to a halt. However, a renewed phase of intrusive igneous
activity started by the end of Late Eocene and Early Oligocene with no signs of
any volcanism. A number of batholiths and stokes consisting of granite, grano-
diorite, syenite, nepheline syenite, monzo–syenite, gabbrodiorite, and diorite
were emplaced during this phase, for example, Shiyor Dagh, Ordoobad and
Yousefloo Granite–Granodiorite–Thonalite, and Kalibar Nepheline–Syenite.
3. Phase C: A time of quiescence followed the intense igneous phase of Late
Eocene–Early Oligocene in Ahar–Jolfa (and Azerbaijan as a whole). However,
this did not last for long and another phase of igneous activity began in Early
Miocene (or according to some experts Late Oligocene) initially in the form of
volcanism (but more diverse in its rock types) forming andesite, trachyandesite,
trachyte, and occasionally acidic rhyolite. Along with these, a number of small
intrusive bodies (mostly in the form of intermediate to acidic domes and dikes)
were also emplaced. This phase reached its climax during Late Miocene–Pliocene
when the small intrusives dominated over the volcanics. Most of the researchers
(including those of Varzeghan 1:100,000 quadrangle) consider these as Plio–
Quaternary in age. However, the author believes that this phase cannot be earlier
than Late Miocene–Pliocene.
4. Phase D: Being the last phase of igneous activity in the Ahar–Jolfa zone,
the rocks of this phase are basalts and andesitic basalts of Quaternary age.
The Quaternary basalts of Ahar–Jolfa are quite widespread, almost found in
every locality that experienced Phase C.
Petrology of Ahar–Jolfa Igneous Rocks (Ghorbani 2011)
Results of geochemical analyses of 60 samples collected from various phases of

igneous rocks of the Ahar–Jolfa zone by X-ray fluorescence technique reveal that
Phases A, B, and C are genetically related with one another while Phase D is
different from the rest. Comparing the diagrams and curves drawn for Phases A, B,
and C, it can be said that
1. Harker diagrams of all three phases are indicative of magmatic differentiation.
This view is further supported by the curves of MnO vs. SiO2 and MgO vs. SiO2,
or similar variation in TiO2 and Al2O3. Thus, it can be inferred that a common
parent magma was responsible for the production of Phases A, B, and C. However,
the role of the crustal rocks in magmatic differentiation over a long period of
time cannot be ruled out.
To prove this, the variation in trace elements within the average samples of
Phases A, B, and C were subjected to further investigations. The resemblance of
average diagrams in Phases A and B is so great that the presence of one common
parent magma cannot be ruled out. But Phase C, particularly when compared to
Phase A, is somewhat different. The main difference between Phases A and C is
that the volcanic rocks of the former are dominantly composed of andesites while
that of the latter are dacitic in composition. As a result, the effect of crustal rocks
in Phase C has been greater, so the magma giving rise to Phases A and B has
somewhat changed over time under the influence of composition of the crustal
rocks as well as the duration of differentiation, variation in melting percentage,
etc., resulting in gradual enrichment of alkaline elements.
2. The relationship between Phases A, B, and C is further confirmed through the
relationship of their nature of origin. According to the results of geochemical
analyses, all the three phases contain calc–alkaline to sub-alkaline rocks (though
some of the rocks of Phase B fall under the alkaline category, the reason for
which is contamination of magma due to assimilation of crustal xenoliths).
3. Tectonic settings of all three phases are similarly based on the results of geo-
chemical analyses. Phases A and C are basic to calc–alkaline rocks formed in
island arc setting and are thus indicative of convergent plate margins. The dia-
grams drawn by Pierce et al. for the rocks of Phase B show that they have been
formed on the border of island arc and continental environments; thus, crustal
contamination, which is a characteristic of such settings, has led to an increase in
yttrium and nobelium content of magma, inclining their chemical characteristics
toward those of continental interiors.
Considering the petrological and petrographical characteristics of the Ahar–Jolfa
metallogenic zone, as proposed herein, it can be amended to the status of metallo-
genic province. A research proposal for detailed investigations of this zone can be
planned in the form of two doctoral dissertations (on intrusive and extrusive igneous
rocks, respectively), a number of master dissertations on each of the intrusive bodies,
enlightening the geodynamics of the body, isotopic composition, and making
comparisons with Caucasus.
Fig. 6.23 Alteration along Ahar–Jolfa axis (Ghorbani 2004c)
Alteration
The Ahar–Jolfa metallogenic zone is incomparable in terms of alteration charac-

teristics, and due to this quality, it has always been the center of attention of
economic geologists (Fig. 6.23).
Alteration has not affected all the rocks within the Ahar–Jolfa zone with the
same intensity and extent. The following need to be considered when discussing
the alteration characteristics of these rocks:
1. The same alteration trend, as seen in the Ahar–Jolfa zone, is also witnessed in
other areas of northwestern Iran, such as Hashtjin, parts of Tarom (on the north
of Takestan), etc., so that an alteration zone can be recognized to cover the entire
Takestan–Jolfa Belt. The zone of alteration is in the form of a regional alteration
zone and will further be discussed elsewhere.
2. A specific relationship exists between lithology and alteration in areas affected
by regional alteration (other areas that have experienced local alteration do not
exhibit this type of relationship). Alteration is more extensive wherever tuffa-
ceous rocks occur.
3. Detailed field investigations of batholithic bodies within the area, such as
Shiyor Dagh, Kalibar, Ordubad, Arasbaran, and Yousefloo, indicate that they
were not directly responsible for the alteration because alteration zones are
seen even within them.
4. Large intrusive bodies of the area that are composed of gabbrodiorite to
granite and range in age from Late Eocene to Early Oligocene have not under-
gone any alteration, while the rocks that host them show extensive alteration
effects.
5. Apart from the regional alteration that is seen in the area, localized effects of
alteration agents within the limits of Phase C of igneous activity were common.
These alterations are usually productive and their characteristics differ from
those of the regional alterations.
6. Late Cretaceous–Eocene andesitic volcanic rocks, shallow intrusive rocks
(porphyritic bodies), and their associated tuffs or even their clastic sedimentary
rocks that form the basement rocks of the region are generally rich in pyrite
mineral. In some places, pyrite constitutes more than 5% of the volume of the
rock and is primary in nature. The Astamal area exhibits a very interesting altera-
tion condition with large amounts of pyrite whose Fe2+ ions have been released
during the alteration. These irons have then been transformed into Fe3+, resulting
in the formation of iron hydroxide. The released sulfur irons are oxidized and
form sulfate minerals, which in turn make the solutions more acidic, leading to
further alteration of the surrounding rocks.
Regional Alteration
Types of Alteration
Various types of alteration processes that have affected the Ahar–Jolfa metallogenic
zone can be grouped in the following, each having its own mineralization potentials
(Ghorbani 2011):
1. Regional alteration
2. Local alteration
3. Siliceous alteration resulting in the formation of silica veins
The characteristics of this type of alteration are as follows:
• It is observed over a large area of the Ahar–Jolfa zone, extending from Takestan
to Jolfa, that is, entire northwest of the country.
• Mineralogically, this type of alteration can be divided into three distinct zones,
namely, lowermost argillaceous zone (which is the thickest of all, wherever pres-
ent, and includes kaolinite, illite, feldspar, quartz, alunite, and gypsum); middle
hematitic zone (or iron hydroxide zone, which contains a combination of iron
oxides and hydroxides such as hematite, goethite, and limonite along with jasper,
quartz, chalcedony, and gypsum, and sometimes argillaceous minerals such as
montmorillonite and kaolinite, not more than 5 m in thickness); and upper sili-
ceous zone (which usually forms the highest elevations of alteration zones with
a thickness of up to 100 m, dominantly consisting of quartz and chalcedony and
occasionally hematite, goethite, and jasper).
The results of geochemical analyses (ICP technique) on 20 samples collected from
these three alteration zones reveals that the products of the regional alteration phase are
barren from the point of view of gold, antimony, arsenic, lead–zinc, copper, and silver
mineralization. This type of alteration is limited to the Eocene faults and calderas.
Local Alteration
Contrary to the regional alteration, local alteration is spatially scattered and miner-
alogically diverse, with no distinct zonation as described above. Some areas that have
been affected by this type of alteration include Songoon, Zarinehcab, Kighal, Barmalek,
Anjard, Mivehrud, and Nojeh Mehr. The specifications of this alteration are as follows:
• It is spread in the form of small limited areas.
• Though a number of diverse zones are present, they are not easily distinguished.
These include propylitic, potassic, and phyllitic zones.
• The zoning, if present, includes propylitic, potassic (occasionally albitic), phyl-
litic, argillaceous, and siliceous (dominantly in form of veins) zones, the last two
being very limited in extent.
• It is associated with Miocene–Pliocene volcanism and, hence, is absent where
Phase C of igneous activity has not been effective.
Either distinct veins or anomalies of zinc, silver, molybdenum, gold, and copper
are observed in all areas that have experienced this type of alteration. Interestingly,
an agreement exists between the geological map, elemental anomaly map (produced
by the National Iranian Copper Company and Geological survey of Iran), and the
alteration map of the area (prepared by the present author); in fact, the areas of
Phase C igneous activity, geochemical anomalies of gold, copper, lead–zinc, anti-
mony, molybdenum and silver, and the local alteration zones overlap one another.
Siliceous Alteration
It is observed along with the previous two types of alteration, however, this type of
alteration is distinguished from regional and local types by its vein form and limita-
tion to the fault contacts of calderas formed by Phases A and C igneous activities.
The results of geochemical analyses of 20 samples produced by this type of altera-
tion point to the gold-bearing nature of veins.
Considering the facts about the nature of alteration in the Ahar–Jolfa zone,
regional and local alteration areas must be considered for further exploration to
allow resolving them. It is worth noting that regional and local alterations some-
times overlap. As a result, mineralogical and petrological studies must be carried
out in order to distinguish the phase of igneous activity.
Mineralization (Ghorbani 2004c)
The Ahar–Jolfa zone is one of the richest Tertiary metallogenic zones of Iran
dominantly associated with the Tertiary igneous rocks. Mineralization of copper,
molybdenum, gold, silver, iron, lead–zinc, arsenic, antimony, and mercury has
taken place in the form of porphyry, skarn, and vein deposits (Fig. 6.24), which are
explained in the following sections.
6.3
Fig. 6.24 Distribution of some mineral deposits and indications in Ahar area (Ghorbani 2004c)
281
Porphyry Mineralization
Coming next to the Kerman region, porphyry copper and molybdenum mineralization
of the Ahar–Jolfa zone is the most prolific area of such elements in Iran. Occurrence
of Songoon (with more than one billion tons of copper ore) and Agarat (to the north of
Songoon, in Armenia) porphyry copper–molybdenum deposits are proofs of this
claim. Other indications of porphyry copper deposits are seen in Khoveinard (south
of Songoon), Lalehbajan, south of Nabijan, Kighal, Kharvanah (Siah Rud axis),
west of Meshkin Shahr (Doostbeigloo); whether these localities contain economic
porphyry copper deposits is a matter of speculation that needs further detailed
investigation.
The evidence of the porphyry copper deposit in Iran (mentioned in Chap. 5) are
all observed in the Ahar–Jolfa zone; these include large volumes of Eocene volcanic
rocks with high copper content of the background (in fact, the Late Cretaceous
and Paleocene rocks of the zone also exhibit such characteristics); successive meta-
morphic phases; and suitable structural conditions.
Skarn Mineralization
This type of mineralization is very widespread within the Ahar–Jolfa Metallogenic

zone, giving rise to copper, gold, and iron deposits and indications.
Skarn-type deposits are of two types, namely, exogenic and endogenic. Both are
seen at the contact of igneous and carbonate sedimentary rocks, or intrusive and
extrusive igneous rocks. Skarn deposits of copper are seen in areas such as Songoon,
south of Nabijan, west of Bandrigh, Mesgar area, Soot, south of Marzrud, and south
of Sari Dareh, as well as in Anjard, Zandabad and Mazra’e deposits, whereas gold
mineralization has been reported from the area surrounding Kalibar nepheline–
syenite body in Marzrud, Mesgar and south of Ghajar Kuh (Ataloo 1998). There is
also a possibility that the gold deposit at Kharvana is of this type (Rashid, personal
communication).
Vein Mineralization
With the volcanic carbonates and intrusive igneous rocks acting as the host rock,
vein mineralization is seen throughout the Ahar–Jolfa zone. Iron mineralization
with Oligiste and magnetite minerals is seen around the copper deposits. Near the
Songoon porphyry deposit, in an area around 250 km2, another mineralization
zone is seen (Khoveinard, Khonindiraj, Lalebejan, Baloojeh, Mahmood Abad,
Honarikandi, Bandrigh, Arpaligh, and Barazin). Porphyry-, scattered-, and vein-type
deposits of gold, silver, mercury, and antimony are seen in these localities. Lead–zinc
and iron ores are seen in addition to copper deposits.
The vein-type deposits in the Ahar–Jolfa metallogenic zone are somewhat similar
to the vein deposits of Tarom–Hashtjin Belt, but with fundamental differences.
Tarom–Hashtjin mineralization is typically different from Ahar–Jolfa in geological

characteristics. These differences have led to dissimilar trend in mineralization
process in the two regions. It can be said that the Ahar–Jolfa zone is in general
richer than Tarom–Hashtjin. The major differences existing between the two regions
are described hereunder:
1. The igneous activity of Ahar–Jolfa can be traced from Late Cretaceous to
Quaternary and can be divided into four distinct magmatic phases while in
Tarom–Hashtjin only two such phases are recognizable. The recurring magmatic
activity along with structural characteristics and fracturing pattern in Ahar–Jolfa
has provided ground for porphyry copper mineralization. Feeding from old
porphyry systems, Hercynian, for example, can be responsible for this kind of
mineralization (Moayed, personal communication).
2. Oligocene intrusive bodies within Tarom–Hashtjin are both lithologically and
genetically uncomplicated, whereas those of Ahar are varied in the said two
aspects, for example, Kalibar nepheline–syenite. In addition, the host of Ahar
region is more diverse; carbonate rocks that form the majority of hosts in this
area, and hence allowing skarn-type of mineralization possible, are totally absent
from the Tarom–Hashtjin Belt.
3. Lead–zinc and iron–zinc mineralization is much more developed in the Tarom–
Hashtjin Belt. Moreover, molybdenum mineralization in association with either
porphyry or vein-type deposits is much more developed in Ahar–Jolfa.
4. Structurally, though the Tarom–Hashtjin Belt is surrounded by major faults, there
are no disturbances in the central parts of the region. This trend is reverse in
Ahar–Jolfa, where the central parts are affected more by the complex set faults
and joints (Figs. 6.22 and 6.24).
The specifications of the most important mineral deposits in the Ahar–Jolfa area are
presented in Table 6.5.
Interrelationship Between Mineralization, Igneous Activity, and Metasomatism

(Ghorbani 2004c)
The relationship between the mineralization process, igneous activity, and metasomatic
alteration of rocks in the Ahar–Jolfa Metallogenic zone can be described as under.
Although Phase A of magmatic activity has a high copper, iron, and gold in its
background and is very rich in pyrite mineral, it shows no specific mineralization but
has been mainly responsible for enriching the later phases of magmatic activity.
Phase B has intruded the sedimentary rocks (especially older limestones) and
the volcanics resulting from Phase A leading to vein- and skarn-type mineraliza-
tion of copper, iron and gold, for example, Mazra’e, Anjard, Mesgar, and Zandabad
copper deposits.
Phase C of the igneous activity in the Ahar–Jolfa zone, which was in the form of
volcanism and shallow intrusions (some of the intrusions have no outcrops on the
surface) during Miocene and Pliocene, has resulted in the formation of localized
284
Table 6.5 Specifications of most important mineral deposits in Ahar–Jolfa area
Name of deposit
Sr. no. or indication Paragenesis Host rock Geological characteristics
1 Songoon Chalcopyrite, magnetite, pyrite, and Volcanic rocks, granodiorite, Porphyry mineralization is also seen
molybdenite porphyry monzonite in the surrounding areas of
Songoon
2 Mazra’e Chalcopyrite, magnetite, hematite, chalcocite, Cretaceous limestones, Shiyordagh Skarn-type of mineralization
covellite, pyrite, bismuth, wolframite Granite
6
3 Anjard Chalcopyrite, pyrite, molybdenite, magnetite Cretaceous limestones; volcanic rocks, Skarn-type of mineralization
Shiyordagh Granite
4 Godal Chalcopyrite, magnetite, malachite Cretaceous limestones; volcanic rocks, Skarn-type of mineralization similar
Shiyordagh Granite to Mazra’e
5 Zand Abad Chalcopyrite, pyrite, magnetite, molybdenite, Cretaceous limestones, Shiyordagh Skarn-type of mineralization
malachite, azurite, galena, sphalerite Granite
6 Saleh Dareh Chalcopyrite, pyrite Volcanic rocks; granitic intrusive Vein-type of mineralization
bodies
7 Jouiband Galena, sphalerite, chalcopyrite, covellite, Volcanic rocks, granophyre, Vein-type of mineralization;
dignite, malachite, pyrite limestones two indications are seen
at a distance of 2 km from each
other
8 Barmalek Galena, sphalerite, pyrite, tetrahedrite, Volcanic rocks, porphyry intrusive Vein-type of mineralization; a silicic
chalcopyrite, malachite, azurite, lucite bodies, monzonite, granodiorite zone is seen at a distance of about
1 km
from it
9 Kighal Chalcopyrite, magnetite, molybdenite, cassiter- Volcanic rocks, small intrusive bodies Evidence of porphyry mineralization
ite, galena, sphalerite is seen
10 Goosh Abad (Oran), Copper ore (chalcopyrite), gold, lead Volcanic rocks, intrusive bodies The four indications mentioned here
Siyah Lakan, are similar to one another and are
Aghababa Sang, considered as copper-gold deposit
Zarineh Rekab
Metallogenic and Mining Provinces, Belts and Zones of Iran
6.3
11 Astamal, Avan, The main phase of mineralization is that Volcanic rocks, acidic tuffs, small Scattered or vein-type pyrite
Avansar, of pyrite and copper minerals are little intrusive bodies mineralization (as well as copper)
Cheshmeh Ghan in amount within small Eocene intrusive
bodies
12 Qareh Chiler Chalcopyrite, pyrite, molybdenite, galena, Ordobad, intrusive bodies Ore mineralization in the form of
(Golan) tetrahedrite, chalcocite, covellite, bornite, vein along with silica
limonite, malachite, azurite
13 Qareh Dareh Molybdenite, pyrite, chalcopyrite, malachite Mineralization in granitic rocks Ore mineralization in the form of
of silicic zones vein
14 Chamtal Chalcopyrite, magnetite, covellite, bornite, Granitic intrusive bodies, volcanic Skarn-type of mineralization
gold rocks, metamorphosed limestones
15 Daghar Dagh Malachite, magnetite Limestone bodies, granodioritic Skarn-type of mineralization
intrusive bodies
16 Mesgar Malachite, pyrite, hematite Pyroclastic and carbonaceous rocks Vein-type of mineralization
17 Anbaloo Chalcopyrite, magnetite, malachite Limestones, schists, and intrusive Skarn-type of mineralization; a
bodies number of mineralized zones are
seen in Anbaloo area including
Abbasabad
18 Barghzar Chalcocite, malachite, magnetite Metamorphosed limestones, andesites Mineralization seems to be of
skarn-type
Ghorbani (2004a, b, c)
285
productive metasomatism giving rise to porphyry- and vein-type mineralization (most of

the mineral deposits of Ahar–Jolfa are associated with this phase of igneous activity).
Thus, the mineralization processes of the Ahar–Jolfa Metallogenic Belt are
classified into the following categories:
1. Vein-type copper deposits, gold-bearing coppers of hydrothermal, and skarn
origin.
2. Porphyry copper deposits; only Songoon has so far been found to contain
economic deposits but signs of other such bodies are also indicated in various
localities and with further exploration, especially within local metasomatic
areas, other such deposits are hoped to be discovered.
3. Gold deposits seen in vein zones are usually found along with siliceous zones that are
associated with old calderas. It is suggested that all the siliceous veins of the area that
are not related with the metasomatic siliceous zones should be further investigated.
4. Skarn- and metasomatic-type iron mineralization in the area, which is of two types:
(a) Skarn- and metasomatic-type iron ore deposits, for example, Mahmoud
Abad deposit.
(b) Metasomatic iron ore deposits formed from alteration of pyrite, for example,
Cheshmghal.
Of these, the former are economically important while the latter is not.
Last but not least, if it is intended to sum up all that has so far been described in
one paragraph, it would be as follows.
A survey of igneous phases of Ahar–Jolfa indicates that Phase C (i.e., Miocene–
Pliocene Phase) has had the central role in mineralization of gold, copper, mercury,
etc. Therefore, all the future studies must target the rocks formed by Phase C. The
most important metasomatic process affecting the rocks of the area is in local extent;
however, the regional metasomatism seen in this zone has produced distinct argil-
litic, hematitic, and silicic zonations that are futile from the point of view of gold
mineralization. Siliceous vein metasomatism should be further explored for gold,
especially where such alterations are associated with older calderas. As a result, old
calderas form important targets for future investigations.
6.3.6 Southeast and East of Iran Metallogenic Province

(Science and Technology Research Institute 1999)
6.3.6.1 Geology of East and Southeast of Iran
From a geological standpoint, east and southeast of Iran can generally be divided
into three sections:
• Lut block, which covers most part of east of Iran
• Flysch zone or colored-melange zone or Zabol–Baluch zone
• Makran zone
6.3.6.2 Lithostratigraphy of East and Southeast of Iran
Most rock units in east and southeast of Iran belong to Cretaceous and after.
However, several rock units older than Cretaceous outcrop in some places such as
Lut zone, northern Makran, and northeast of Flysch zone. Pre-Cretaceous sedimentary
units (Paleozioc, Triassic, and Jurassic) in east and southeast of Iran feature
continental facies, and for that matter this area is similar to Central Iran. As a matter
of fact, in places where Cretaceous rocks form the basement (especially in the
Lut zone and Bazman Region) not much of a difference is seen between east and
northeast of Iran and Central Iran.
Cretaceous in east and southeast of Iran: Cretaceous played a key role in east
and southeast of Iran in regard to the tectono-magmatic events, sedimentary basins,
and formation of various rock units like ophiolitic complex, carbonate rocks and
flysches, and later events that occurred in Tertiary were the continuation of develop-
ments in Cretaceous.
Lut block and Afghan block that once had formed one single continent separated
from each other and an ocean formed between them. Formation, evolution, closure,
and orogeny that resulted in closure of this ocean are considered as major develop-
ments in east and southeast of Iran. Cretaceous sediments are seen in relatively large
areas within the Lut and Flysch zones, and north of Makran zone.
Early Cretaceous deposits in east and southeast of Iran including shale, marl,
graywacke, and plagic and non plagic limestone are insignificant compared to the
Late Cretaceous deposits. There are various volcanic rocks seen inside flysch
sequence, whose age could reach to Paleocene. The formation of these volcanic
rocks could be due to genesis of a rift and its expansion during Late Cretaceous.
The expansion and development of such rifts within the Flysch and Makran zones
during Cretaceous through Paleocene led to the formation of ophiolitic complexes
in the form of areas and axes, and some of them are cited below:
• Ophiolitic axis south of Jazmourian, Kannouj–Iranshahr
• Taftan ophiolitic area
• Nosrat-abad ophiolitic area
• Lar-Asgi ophiolitic area
• Iranshahr–Zabol ophiolitic area
• Ophiolitic area around Hemont Mountain
• Birak Mountain ophiolitic area (Zaranj Mountain area)
The reason for diversity in these ophiolitic areas is structural activities along
faults as well as intrusion of magmatic diapirs. However, as presented in Metallogeny
in the Sistan–Baluchestan report, Nogol Sadat and Houshmandzadeh (1999) believe
these various ophiolitic axes are in connection with several deep rift axes and do not
consider a uniform setting for these ophiolitic axes.
Tertiary in east and southeast of Iran: In Late Cretaceous and Early Tertiary, the rift
basins between the Lut and Afghan blocks and also northern Makran basin deformed
and began to close out, which was concurrent to uplifting of the Lut and Bazman
blocks. These activities accompanied with facies changes in the Flysch zone and Lut,
and magmatic activities in such fashion that flysch facies (Paleocene–Eocene) were
replaced by sandstone and conglomerate facies in the Lut and Bazman areas, and
volcanic activities intensified and continued throughout Tertiary. In the southern
part of Flysch zone, flysch deposits show significant changes in thickness and
contain more volcanic materials, and in some places the age of flysch deposits
reaches to Late Eocene.
In south of Flysch zone and Kahnouj–Iranshahr ophiolitic strip (i.e., Makran zone),
the flysch facies become younger southwardly and temporally stretch to Miocene.
6.3.6.3 Structural Characteristics of Southeast and East of Iran
Similar structural features seen in other parts of Iran also control the general structure
of east and southeast of Iran. These structural elements can be categorized into the
following groups:
• Faults and fractures
• Folds
• Lineaments
• Ring structures
6.3.6.4 Mineralization in East and Southeast of Iran
So far vein-type mineralization of copper, lead, zinc, antimony, mercury, and gold
has been reported in the Lut block. Vein-type deposits that have been studies are
cited below:
1. Ghaleh–zari gold-bearing copper deposit
2. Shoorab–Kalehneginan antimony and mercury deposit
It seems the mineralization in Lut block is mostly in the form of vein, and evident
examples of such mineralization are Ghaleh-zari and Shoorab. In general, geological
and mineralization evidences in north and northwest of Lut zone (as moving toward
Tabas block) point to mineralization of copper, lead, and zinc with supremacy of lead
and zinc over copper, and copper mineralization accompanied with gold in south and
southeast areas. Exploration studies with regard to geological characteristics in south
and southeast of Lut zone can lead to useful results. The geological characteristics
of the Zabol–Baluch and Makran zones are very similar to each other. These two
zones both have ocean crust basement covered with younger sediments, and to some
extent the younger magmatic activities affected them.
From a metallogenic standpoint, northern Makran which has an ultramafic base-
ment, displays outcrops mostly of ultramafic rocks. The Northern Makran zone and
southern parts of Flysch zone that contain ultramafic rocks are significant from a
metallogenic standpoint. Such similar characteristics could be due to the similarity
in basement, magmatism, and structure in these two zones. During the course of a
study carried out on metallogeny of the Flysch and Makran zones, metallogenic
zonation was presented for these two zones as they are briefly explained next
(Fig. 6.25 and Table 6.6).
Fig. 6.25 Metallogenic zonation of Sistan-Baluchestan (Science and Technology Research

Institute 1999)
Table 6.6 List of important areas from mineralization standpoint in south and southeast of Iran,
for which detailed exploration and evaluation are recommended
Group type and Primary mineral
Number Name degree of importance (accessory mineral)
1 Bandan III Cr, Asb, Mn, AU-Cu
2 Kuh-e Janja II Au, Cu
3 Nehbandan–Iranshahr axis IV Cr, Cu (Au), Ni, Co, Mg
(northern ophiolitic strip)
4 Kuh-e Siasetorgi I Au, Cu
5 Kuh-e Asagi II Au, Pb, Zn, Cu
6 Kuh-e Kalehgar and III Au?, Ag?
Dopar Kuh
7 North of Nosrat–Abad II Cu (Au), Cr, Mg
8 Chehel–Kooreh, Pourchangi IV Cu, Pb, Zn
9 North of Zahedan II Au, Ag?
10 Kuh-e Lar I Au, Cu (Mo)
11 Shovin–Domak II Co, (Au), Cr, Ni, Co, Fe,
Mn, Mg, Asb
12 Nosrat–Abad and Kahoorak I Cu, Ni, Co Nosrat-abad:
Cu Kahoorak:
13 South of Zahedan I Au, Ag
14 Kuh-e Sefidak I Cu?, Au?
15 Taftan I Au, Mo, Cu, Ag, Pb, Zn,
(Aln/Si)
16 Bazman I Cu, Au, Mo
17 North of Bazman I Au, As, Mg, (Mo,W)
18 South of Bazman I Au, Cu, (Mo), Pb, Zn,
W?, V?
19 Kuh-e Sefid–Saravan II Cu, Au, Pb, Zn, Mo?, W?
20 Rootak–Maksookhteh III Cu?, Ni?, Co?, Cr?
21 Minab–Iranshahr metallogenic III Cr, Cu, Mg, Cu?
strip (southern ophiolitic strip)
22 Makran uranium stretch II U
Science and Technology Research Institute (1999)
6.3.6.5 Taftan Mining Area
This area has ultramafic–mafic basement of ocean crust type with age of Cretaceous
covered with Crateceous–Paleogene flysch and younger magmatic rocks.
The intrusive rocks include shallow bodies of diorite and monzonite–to–granite,
and the extrusive rocks consist of rhyolite, rhyodacite, andesite, and associated tuff
(Kharestan area) with age of Oligo–Miocene. Besides, Plio–Quaternary volcanic
rocks with composition of andesite–dacite produced by Taftan volcano are seen
around Taftan Volcano. The structural geology of this area is affected by doming in
Taftan with spiral–radial system, and this doming event resulted in outcrop of
ultramafic–mafic units. Associated hydrothermal solutions caused metasomatosis
and metamorphosis of ultramafic and mafic rocks, as well as sulfide-type mineralization

of lead, zinc, copper, molybdenum, silver, gold, antimony, and arsenic.
The studies carried out in the Kharestan area indicate richness of silver within
vein-type lead and zinc deposits.
An extensive alteration of argillic, silicic, and propylitic type is seen in volcanic
and flysch rocks of this area, especially the Kharestan area. Besides, alteration
and metasomatism of lisvenitic, rodingitic, and talcified types are also found in
ultramafic rocks. Within the Kharestan area there are a few mineralization zones
such as Kuhe Zardan-noghrei silver-bearing lead and zinc deposit, Div-chah
lead, zinc, copper and gold deposit (especially gold), and Tilouei lead, zinc, and
antimony deposit.
6.3.6.6 Bazman Mining Area
The basement of this mining area is formed of Paleozoic–Mesozoic rocks that were
cut through by Bazman granitoid intrusive complex in Late Cretaceous (with age of
70 Ma). The northern part of Bazman volcano is covered with Eocene–Miocene
volcanic rocks (mostly andesite), over which Bazman volcanic rocks with composi-
tion of andesite, dacite and in some cases basalt sit.
Similar to the Taftan area, alteration of argillic, silicic, and propylitic types is
also seen in Bazman area but with lower degree.
Mineralization types found in Bazman area include skarn (copper and gold),
volcanic hydrothermal, and plutonic hydrothermal (gold, silver, mercury, tungsten
and molybdenum–gold, and silver mineralization in Giyaban).
6.3.6.7 Iranshahr–Minab Mining Area
An ophiolitic strip is seen southeast of Jazmourian, which is the most complete

ophiolitic series in Iran. Some of the rocks within this ophiolitic complex are peri-
dotites including verlite, harzburgite, lherzolite, and dunite. These peridotites are
seen in the form of intact massive and tectonized.
Serpentinization is developed so extensively in tectonized peridotites that in
some cases the original rocks are hardly recognized. However, serpentinization
in massive peridotites is seen in the form of veins dunites, harzburgites, lherzo-
lites, and verlites.
Gabbro rocks are usually seen next to peridotites along a fault contact and include
troctolite, plagioclasite, gabbro–norite, leucogabbro, and oralite.
The rocks in the area consist of olivine–gabbro, gabbro, plagiogranite, diabase,
espilite, basaltic–espilite, sedimentary rocks with deep-sea facies including lime-
stone and radiolarite-shale, and metamorphic rocks with blueschist and greenschist
facies.
From a mineralization standpoint, there are two types of mineralization seen
within this ophiolitic strip.
Chromite Mineralization: Numerous chromite deposits but in small size are found
in ultramafic rocks, dunites, harzbugites, and serpentenites. Chromite mineraliza-
tions are seen in two forms:
• Spotted chromite in dunites
• Chromite in the form of dashed thin layers looking like beads in serpentine and
serpentenized harzbugite
Some of the chromite deposits and indications found in this area are Kootij,
Sarzeh, Gondtihan, Kooshook, Mokhtar-abad, Rameshk, and Mirab.
Copper Mineralization: Such mineralization is seen in the eastern part of this
ophiolitic strip in an area between Mokhtarabad and east of Minab. It seems the
mineralization of these deposits is of massive sulfide and hydrothermal type.
6.3.6.8 Nehbandan–Iranshahr Mining Area
This is a narrow strip which can be considered as a suture zone from a structural
geology standpoint. This area has linear blocks with N–S fracturing systems.
There are ophiolitic complexes, Cretaceous sedimentary complexes, and Tertiary
magmatic rocks seen along this suture strip, in which alteration, metamorphism,
and metasomatism are observed.
Mineralization of chromium, copper, iron, magnesium, and gold is seen along
this strip, but the noticeable mineralization includes numerous chromites in the
form of small to medium deposits and valuable magnesium deposits.
6.3.6.9 Mirjaveh–Birjan Mining Area
This area is part of the Flysch zone in east of Iran. The rocks in this area include
Paleogene–Cretaceous flysch, ultramafic rocks that form the basement and out-
crop through the erosion fenêtre. The Oligo–Miocene magmatic rocks consist of
shallow intrusive bodies of diorite, monzodiorite and syenite, and associated
volcanic rocks including trachyte, andesite, trachy-basalt, and Plio–Quaternary
basalt and andesite. From a tectono-magmatic standpoint, the area features folds
and magmatic rocks seen as dome-ring bulges. There are some places with
evidences of skarn, hornfels, metasomatism, and argillic and propylitic altera-
tion within this area. Mineralization in this area can be categorized into three
following forms:
1. Magmatic mineralization such as chromium mineralization in ultramafic spread,
and sometimes chromium–manganese–asbestos.
2. Skarn-hydrothermal mineralization including mineralization of gold–silver,
zinc–copper, lead–gold, and copper–gold within ultramafic complexes and
magmatic–flyschy rocks.
3. Hydrothermal mineralization.
6.3.6.10 Zahedan–Saravan Mining Area
This area in fact is a structural strip with granitoid intrusive bodies. Along this strip
and within the folded flysch deposits and volcanic rocks belonged to pre-Oligocene,
there is a series of granitoid bodies that were cut through by groups of parallel dolerite
dikes. These intrusive bodies caused alteration, metasomatism, and contact meta-
morphism in the surrounding rocks. The hydrothermal solutions released by these
intrusive bodies caused mineralization of metals such as copper, lead, zinc, gold,
silver, molybdenum, and tungsten.
In addition to the mining areas already cited in the report on the metallogenic
study of Sistan–Baluchestan, some other mining areas have been also mentioned
and metallogenically defined in that report such as Zabol, Makran, and southern
edge of Lut zone, which are not to be described here due to their low importance
from a mineralization standpoint. However, there are some areas in southeast of Iran
that are significant from a talc mineralization standpoint.
6.3.6.11 Kuh-e Hamont Mining Area (with Significant Talc Mineralization)
Kuh-e Hamont, the highest mountain in southeast of Iranshahr, is a noticeable case

from a geological standpoint, and talc mineralization in this area is one of the out-
comes of formation of this mountain. From a geological standpoint, Kuh-e Hamont
is to be considered as Hamont complex, which is in fact a core complex. The most
important rocks found in this complex are as follows:
• Ultramafic and mafic rocks that have been mostly metamorphosed at high-grade
greenschist level including actinolite, schist, serpentinite, serpentinite schist, and
talc-schist.
• Magmatic rocks in the form of two groups of granitic rocks and volcanic
rocks.
Regarding the formation of the aforementioned rocks, Hamont complex, and its
general geomorphology, it can be stated that considering the geological characteris-
tics of the Makran zone and Hamont Mountain this area belongs to pre-Eocene with
a simple structure meaning it is an ophiolitic basement overlaid with Eocene shale
and sandstone deposits.
During Late Eocene and Oligocene, a magmatic diapir (probably with andesitic–
basaltic composition) uplifted from mantle and intruded into the crust. The intru-
sion of this magmatic diapir caused partial melting of crust and therefore formation
of intrusive bodies (granitoid) and volcanic rocks, which led to the formation of
Kuh-e Hamont.
Intrusion of magma from mantle into the crust led to metamorphism in the form of
core complex, which means the temperature and pressure the magmatic diapir had while
ascending metamorphosed the host rocks and surrounding rocks. In addition to the
aforementioned metamorphism by hydrothermal solutions produced due to magmatic
and metamorphic activities, metasomatism phenomenon is also seen in these rocks
especially in the fault zones. Formation of talc and serpentine around Kuh-e Hamont
is the product of metasomatism in such way that in areas where hydrothermal solu-
tions were rich in CO2 and SiO2 the ultramafic rocks transformed to talc, and in
areas poor in CO2 and SiO2 serpentine was formed.
6.3.7 Zagros Oil and Gas Province (Motiei 1993)
The Zagros sedimentary basin is the most important oil and gas province of Iran
situated between the Arabian shields and Sanandaj–Sirjan Zones. It is bounded on
its north and northeast by Zagros main thrust, on its southeast by Oman Mountains,
and on its west and southwest by Arabian shield.
A complete sequence of rock ranging from Lower Cambrian to Pliocene can be
observed within the area of this province (Fig. 6.26). The basin possessed a platform
environment of deposition between Early Cambrian to Middle Triassic, in line with
other places of the country, occasionally experiencing epeirogenic movements.
From then onward, till Miocene, sediments dominantly composed of carbonates
along with minor amounts of sandstone, shale, and marl have been deposited in a
continuously subsiding basin reaching a thickness of about 10,000 m. The presence
of evaporite deposits as well as minor stratigraphic hiatuses within this sequence
point toward epeirogenic movements within the basin of deposition.
Ever since the end of Miocene, the previously formed rock successions have
been complexly folded and overthrust due to intense orogenic movements thus
emerging from sea water. As a result, the younger sediments (Pleistocene) lie over
them with an angular unconformity.
Zagros Province, which is basically a part of Alp–Himalaya orogenic belt, trends
in northwest–southeast direction extending from the northwest of the country and
continuing up to Strait of Hormoz. The deformations of the province have been
attributed to the collision of Central Iran and Arabian Plates (traditionally, the upheav-
als connected with the final filling phases of the geosyncline between the two).
A number of classifications have been put forward for Zagros Province with
every scheme having its own considerations. Nogole-Sadat and Almasian (1993)
has delineated the latest scheme dividing this province into two major and minor
zones, namely, Northern Zagros (the minor) and Zagros (the major).
6.3.8 Kopet–Dagh Natural Gas Province
This basin is located northeast of Iran. From Middle Jurassic on it was covered with
a vast continental margin sea (Berberian and King 1981). In this period of time and
due to sea progression as well as rapid subsiding of the basin, the depth of the water
in western part was deeper. In this basin, a thick sequence of continuous marine and
continental sediments was deposited (about 10 km). No major sedimentary gap and
Fig. 6.26 Lithostratigraphy of Zagros zone (Motiei 1993)
volcanic activities during Jurassic to Oligocene have ever been reported. This
sedimentary complex provided a very suitable condition for accumulation of hydro-
carbons. Kopet–Dagh sedimentary rocks placed in their current position due to an
uplifting at the end of Miocene.
Chapter 7
The Position of Iranian Mining
Industry in the World
Abstract This chapter presents an economic, statistical, and comparative review on

various mineral deposits (metallic and non metallic) as well as fossil fuel reserves
in Iran as compared to those in the rest of the world.
This is a comprehensive collection of data about Iran’s mineral deposits, production,
and trade based on the available data sources, and gives the reader a good account
of Iran’s position in the world as far as its share in mineral deposits, production,
and mineral trade is concerned.
The author has tried his best to provide a comprehensible outcome in qualita-
tive and quantitative assessment of each mineral deposit based on available data,
world class logical and comparative analytical methods, and Iran’s geological
features.
7.1 Introduction
Considering the geological condition of Iran and its position on the Alpine-Himalaya
orogeny belt, Iran, from a mining point of view, is one of the gifted countries of the
world. As recent statistics (2004) indicates, the proven and probable reserves of
metallic and nonmetallic deposits of the country are proclaimed to be around 55
billion tons. There are 62 types of mineral deposits in Iran, which puts it in the
category of countries having large number of mineral deposits with high variety.
Table 7.1 shows various mineral deposit categories in Iran.

298 7 The Position of Iranian Mining Industry in the World
Table 7.1 Types of mineral deposits of Iran

Nonmetallic Nonmetallic
Metallic minerals minerals minerals Building materials Fossil fuel
Copper Turquoise Sepiolite Building and Oil
decorative stone
Iron Phosphate Bitumen Gypsum Gas
Manganese Salt Orpiment Rubble stone Condensate
Chromite Sulfur Asbestos Pumice Coal
Gold Sodium sulfate Sylvite Perlite
Molybdenum Kaolinite Chalk Pozzolan and
pozzolanic tuff
Lead Bentonite Vermiculite Scoria
Aluminum Talc Borax
Antimony Mica Barite
Arsenic Feldspar Magnesite
Mercury Silica Celestite
Silver Fluorite Garnet
Polymetal Alunite Dolomite
Pyrite Nepheline syenite Zeolite
Uranium Limestone Diatomite
Zinc Ochre Agate
Tungsten Fireclay Bauxite
7.2 Brief History
According to archeological surveys, Iran hosted the most ancient mining activities
in the world (Alipour 1993). Ancient civilization, richness of natural resources,
and records of ancient mining and metalworking are testimonies to such a claim
(Zavosh 1976). The history of mining activities in Iran can be divided into two
distinct periods:
1. Shadadi (ancient) mining period: The term “shadadi” refers to ancient abandoned
mines where the modern western mining techniques and equipment such as
earth-moving machinery and explosives were not deployed (Ghorbani 2002a).
The mines exploited during this period can be grouped into three categories on
basis of the type of the mined material:
(a) Metallic ore mines of iron, copper, gold, lead, zinc, and silver
(b) Nonmetallic mines and quarries of China clay (used in ceramic and tile
making), “gel-e sarshouy” (a variety of bentonite used as soap in ancient
Iran), and bentonite and serpentine (used in clayware)
(c) Precious and semi-precious stones such as “firouze” (turquoise), “zebarjad”
(olivine), “dor-e kuhi” (quartz), “gamest” (amethyst), “lal” (spinel), “yashm”
(jadeite), “yaghout” (ruby), and “safir” (corundum)
2. Modern mining period: Mining activity utilizing modern western techniques that
began at the time of Fathali Shah through the efforts of Abbas Mirza (his crown
7.4 Share of Mining Sector in Iranian Economy 299
prince) remained more or less dormant till Reza Shah’s time. Then, with the onset
of modernization of the country based on western principles and establishment
of various metal industries, modern mining activities were initiated to supply an
increased demand of raw materials. These efforts have continued till date, and as
a result, more than 5,500 ore deposits and indications are known to exist in the
country (Ghorbani 2002a) (Table 7.2).
7.3 Mining Activities in Iran
As stated in the previous section, there are more than 5,500 known ore deposits and
indications in Iran (Ghorbani 2007a), a number of which are inactive, mined out, or
not yet extracted. Table 7.3 shows the status of the countries in mining sector as per
government statistics.
7.4 Share of Mining Sector in Iranian Economy
Considering the wide range and diversity of mining products of the country and
the international position among the resource-rich countries, the mining sector
is expected to play a pivotal role in Iran’s economy. But owing to the dominance
of the oil sector, the share of the mining sector has been reduced to a negligible
figure (Table 7.4).
It can be deduced from Tables 7.5 and 7.6 that during the period 1996–2000,
the highest share of the mining sector in the gross domestic product (GDP) of the
country based on the current prices has been 0.72% (for the year 1998), while the
same based on the fixed prices of 1990 has been 1.25% (for the year 2001).
Interestingly, the share of the mining sector during the same time period based on
current prices has always remained around 0.66%, whereas the figures based on
the fixed prices of 1990 have increased from 0.97 to 1.25%. This can be attributed
to the lower growth of the prices in the mining sector as compared to the general
trend of inflation in the country. Moreover, due to the increased production of the
mining sector and stable prices, the share of the sector in the GDP of the country
based on the current prices has remained more or less unchanged. Taking into
account the natural riches of Iran, the mere 1% share of mining in the GDP of the
country cannot be considered as appropriate for the sector.
The employment figures of the mining sector (Table 7.1) once again reveal the
insignificance of this sector from the point of job creation in the country. The total
number of employees in the mining sector in the year 2001 was 55,560.
Though the number of active mines in Iran has grown fourfold during the period
1986–2001, the number of employees of the mining sector has increased by 10%
only. Whereas in the year 1986, an average of 64 employees was engaged in every
mine; in the year 2001, the figure reduced to 19. The trend is partly ascribed to
increase in the number of small private mines that employ fewer workforces.
Table 7.2 Statistics of mines of Iran listed by the type of mineral deposit
300
Tonnage
Row Mineral Active Inactive In development Total Governmental Cooperative Private sector Total Staff (1,000 tons)
1 Limestone 280 69 25 374 10 39 325 374 5,446 11,660,635
2 Gypsum 281 135 21 437 1 103 333 437 3,647 1,336,892
3 Rubble stone 931 327 70 1,328 2 112 1,214 1,328 9,175 7,267,182
4 Crystalline 293 148 19 460 0 73 387 460 6,840 665,940
limestone
5 Travertine 155 36 16 207 2 33 172 207 3,515 350,307
6 Crystallized white 156 25 5 186 0 45 141 186 3,829 249,148
marble
7 Marble 105 26 2 134 0 18 115 134 869 6,276
8 Granite 232 125 18 375 0 21 354 375 4,928 476,691
9 Light weight 85 16 9 110 0 16 94 110 838 109,846
aggregate
10 Silica 113 46 10 169 0 11 158 169 1,268 753,475
11 Kaolinite 20 14 4 38 0 4 34 38 382 48,175
12 Industrial soil 125 51 8 184 0 23 161 184 1,148 115,146
13 Feldspar 51 38 5 94 0 8 86 94 600 39,700
14 Talc 16 9 1 26 0 2 24 26 133 5,263
15 Mica 4 2 0 6 0 1 5 6 57 327
16 Dolomite 48 10 2 60 0 3 57 60 478 312,637
17 Borax 1 1 0 2 0 1 1 2 16 25
18 Rock salt 85 31 2 118 0 32 86 118 1,355 411,295
19 Orpiment 0 2 0 2 1 0 1 2 45 7
20 Celestite 4 6 0 10 0 1 9 10 42 1,115
21 Barite 95 35 6 136 1 9 126 136 1,246 25,239
22 Perlite 12 2 1 15 0 1 14 15 181 59,969
23 Diatomite 2 2 0 4 0 0 4 4 38 1,077
24 Bentonite 41 19 2 62 0 5 57 62 401 32,378
25 Sodium sulfate 17 26 0 43 0 15 28 43 339 10,004
7 The Position of Iranian Mining Industry in the World
26 Fireclay 47 8 6 61 2 7 52 61 1,188 47,407

7.4
27 Magnesite 13 12 0 25 0 2 23 25 248 3,398

28 Asbestose 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
29 Sea shell 3 4 0 7 0 1 6 7 12 12,930
30 Ochre 5 3 1 9 0 0 9 9 142 1,064
31 Phosphate 2 0 0 2 2 0 0 2 108 16,500
32 Turquoise 1 1 0 2 0 1 1 2 94 49
33 Pegmatite 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 11 205
34 Chalk 3 3 0 6 0 2 4 6 20 37
35 Alum 0 3 0 3 0 1 2 3 9 87,704
36 Fluorine 21 3 5 29 0 2 27 29 403 1,536
37 Bauxite 10 2 0 12 2 3 7 12 573 22,841
38 Bitumen 8 5 0 13 0 0 13 13 92 149
39 Coal 111 45 4 160 27 15 118 160 25,285 520,401
40 Iron 73 16 10 99 8 9 82 99 6,621 3,706,793
41 Manganese 18 9 4 31 0 0 31 31 657 4,971
42 Molybdenum 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Share of Mining Sector in Iranian Economy
43 Antimony 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 12 5
44 Titan 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
45 Lead and zinc 21 15 7 43 2 3 38 43 1,884 222,655
46 Chromite 36 13 3 52 1 4 47 52 3,638 20,655
47 Copper 17 14 3 34 7 1 26 34 8,099 1,067,900
48 Gold 3 1 2 6 0 0 6 6 453 18,747
49 Nepheline syenite 2 0 0 2 2 0 0 2 444 1,296,000
50 Zeolite 8 6 0 14 0 0 14 14 95 8,833
51 Cobalt 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
52 Pyroxene 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 16 675
53 Vermiculite 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 16 47
54 Graphite 1 1 0 2 0 0 2 2 7 112
55 Agate 3 0 0 3 0 0 3 3 13 1
56 Talc schist 2 0 0 2 0 0 2 2 8 346
57 Anhydrite 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 820
(continued)
301
302
Tonnage
Row Mineral Active Inactive In development Total Governmental Cooperative Private sector Total Staff (1,000 tons)
58 Garnet 0 2 0 2 0 0 2 2 26 4,090
59 Potassium nitrate 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 500
60 Andalusite schist 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 18 68,000
61 Oligist+ 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 16 156
62 Chalcedony 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 1 16 175
63 Jasper 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 11 250
64 Magnesia 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 207 32,000
65 Sylvite 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 4,500
66 Iodine 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 1 20 350
Total 3,568 1,372 271 5,212 72 627 4,512 5,212 97,278 31,110,781
Source: Statistical Center of Iran, website (http://www.amar.org.ir/Default.aspx?tabid=133)
7.4
Table 7.3 Iran mining sector at a glance

No. of mines No. of employees
Salaries and service Value of
Type of ownership Production Administration compensation products
Year Total Private Public Total Technical Nontechnical and services (Rls. million) (Rls. million)
1986 718 436 282 46,295 19,324 17,888 9,085 46,171 74,273
1991 1,920 1,393 527 50,322 30,170 13,047 7,106 99,682 424,870
1996 2,704 2,137 567 53,046 23,259 16,372 13,415 480,155 1,941,600
1998 2,436 2,027 406 52,732 22,593 16,174 13,965 645,892 2,694,965
Share of Mining Sector in Iranian Economy
1999 2,507 2,057 450 55,575 27,601 14,511 13,463 700,226 3,380,525
2000 2,656 2,316 342 56,559 27,755 15,998 12,806 802,103 4,177,181
2001 2,886 2,543 343 55,560 28,013 14,939 12,608 899,382 5,675,787
2002 2,955 2,623 332 55,112 26,501 16,416 12,195 1,124,668 6,485,824
2003 3,125 2,747 378 56,553 28,046 16,722 11,786 1,299,285 7,854,232
2,004 3,224 2,872 352 55,703 21,669 16,773 11,349 1,526,023 12,312,116
2005 3,324 2,998 326 54,854 15,292 16,825 10,912 1,752,762 16,770,000
2006 3,582 3,303 269 60,062 18,020 16,146 12,810 2,307,840 22,642,407
2007 3,799 3,552 247 66,250 19,971 18,010 12,867 3,325,650 30,647,053
Source: Statistical Center of Iran website (http://www.amar.org.ir/Default.aspx?tabid=133)
303
Table 7.4 Production of various materials in operating mines (1,000 tons)

Year
Product 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
Coal 1,380 2,557 2,108 2,003 1,899 2,413 2,525 2,593
Iron 11,441 14,597 14,556 17,350 20,145 20,648 35,195 27,476
Lead–zinc 579 608 686 838 991 1,072 1,932 1,245
Golda 352 120 418 494 571 742 856 829
Coppera 453 418 465 509 553 790 34,637 35,506
Chromite 174 222 150 192 234 269 221 233
Manganese 140 555 114 104 115 94 185 121
Bauxite 65 20 406 873 1,341 1,395 451 727
Kaolinite and 1,660 1,723 2,073 1,957 1,842 2,716 252 945
fireclay
Dolomite 281 611 679 541 403 514 666 585
Bentonite 175 157 188 224 261 189 201 356
Magnesite 115 70 88 91 95 189 110 121
Sodium sulfate 369 362 318 523 728 280 – –
Barite 238 193 197 214 231 226 296 343
Ochre 76 86 32 17 3 – – –
Fluorine 34 55 43 55 68 63 71 66
Borax 3 2 2 2 2 2 – –
Phosphate 33 70 202 263 324 67 252 253
Rock salt 1,538 1,510 1,553 1,792 2,032 2,618 2,897 2,477
Silica 1,678 2,221 1,755 1,929 2,103 2,252 – –
Perlite and 826 610 970 872 775 898 – –
pumiceb
Feldspar 157 257 297 294 291 418 611 648
Talcum 4 60 87 79 71 69 74 50
Asbestos 4 2 1 1 1 0 0 0
Sea shells 96 48 154 136 118 99 92 31
Mica 5 2 35 2 1 2 7 5
Gravel and sandb 46,147 74,854 81,701 69,092 56,484 76,102
Decorative stones 10,325 10,717 11,795 10,595 9,396 9,908 4,182 3,977
Rubble stonec 9,359 9,781 8,334 10,011 11,688 16,441 35,037 37,878
Ballastb,c 802 776 429 251 73 394 – –
Limestone 43,498 43,452 46,664 48,412 50,160 62,959 60,710 79,019
Gypsum 8,347 8,338 11,877 11,511 11,145 11,878 17,351 17,691
Total 140,354 175,054 188,377 181,227 174,144 215,518 198,811 213,175
a
Data for gold production in 1991 are included with copper ore
b
In 1,000 m3
c
Data for ballast production in 1991 are included with rubble stone
Moreover, improved technology and deployment of modern mining equipment is

the major factor in the lower-than-expected number of employees. This can be
better understood when the ratio of technical to nontechnical workforce is taken
into account. During the 15-year time interval of 1986–2001, the nontechnical
employees of the mines have been on decline, while the technical as well as the
administrative staff have grown.
7.4 Share of Mining Sector in Iranian Economy 305
Table 7.5 National income and gross domestic product based on fixed prices of 1990 (Rls.
billions)
Percent
Year variation
1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2000 2001
Mining sector 401.1 410.6 499.1 523.2 573.4 4.8 9.6
Overall country 41,308.5 40,337.6 42,129.8 44,144.7 46,039.2 4.8 4.3
Percentage 0.97 1.02 1.18 1.19 1.25 – –
Source: Economic Trends of Central Bank of Islamic Republic of Iran (various issues)
Note: No data available for years after 2001
Table 7.6 National income and gross domestic product based on current prices (Rls. billions)
Percent
Year variation
1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2000 2001
Mining sector 1,522.2 1,914.0 2,397.7 2,943.1 3,667.1 22.7 24.6
Overall country 231,615.2 265,590.9 353,651.5 468,865.3 553,364.9 32.6 18.0
Percentage 0.66 0.72 0.68 0.63 0.66 – –
The comparison of the growth rate of the mining products over the period 1986–2001
is an attestation to the technological advancement of the mining sector. Ever since
1996, the production growth rate has been higher than the rate of growth of the number
of mines, despite of the reversed trend during the years 1986–1996. Examination of
the growth rate of the value of the products as compared to their volume, over the
period 1991–2001, along with the increased number of active mines demonstrates that
up until 1996 investments in smaller mining firms were on the agenda, but afterward
large mining operations were favored by the government. Moreover, the volume to
value ratio indicates that the operations have tended toward exploitation of higher-
valued mining materials. All the above-mentioned facts point to the deployment of a
more comprehensible and orientated mining policy since 1996.
The value added of the mining sector for the year 2001 has amounted to Rls.
4,618,050 million while the per-employ value added stood at Rls. 83.12 million,
showing a very high rate of return on the investment in this sector. Table 7.7 lists the
amounts of investment in the mining sector of the country over the period 1986–2001;
the fluctuation in the investment has resulted in economic instability of the sector.
Due to the improper structure of the exports, the mining sector has had a small
share in the non oil exports of the country. The total exports of the mining sector
rose from USD 67.7 million in 1997 to USD 181.6 million in 2001. Moreover, the
share of the mining sector in the overall non oil exports of the country over the same
interval of time increased from 2.35 to 4.30%. Table 7.8 enlists the performance of
the mining sector in the non oil exports of the country.
306
Table 7.7 Amount of investment in the mining sector of Iran (Rls. billion)
1986 1991 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2005 2006 2007
Total investment 6 106 434 294 523 255 403 382 595 711 857 255 173 258
Added value – 364 1,034 1,421 1,594 2,003 2,495 3,068 4,618 5,060 5,772 13,503 16,666 23,733
Table 7.8 Non oil exports of Iran (US$ millions)

Years 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
Total non oil exports 2,876 3,013 3,362 3,763 4,224
Export of mining products Total 67.7 49.5 95.7 133 181.6
Mineral aggregates and metals 45.1 12.8 36.3 37.7 77.3
Cement, stones, construction materials 22.6 36.7 59.4 95.3 104.3
Share of mining in total exports (percentage) 2.35 1.64 2.85 3.53 4.30
7.5 Mineral Resources of Iran 307
Table 7.9 Government facilities extended to the mining sector (Rls. million)
Development facilities
of the government 1991 1998 1999 2000 2001
Mining exploration 40,784 39,802 55,840 110,133 106,867
Mining equipment 126,352 100,627 116,435 136,304 107,561
Technical assistance 0 0 0 64,200 19,000
Total 167,136 140,429 172,275 310,637 233,428
It is evident from the above-mentioned facts and figures that the contribution of the
mining sector to the overall non oil exports of the country (both in terms of volume
and value of products) is not in terms with the country’s position among those rich in
natural resources.
The various facilities extended by the government financial institutions to the
mining sector are presented in Table 7.9. Considering the fact that the figures are not
in accordance with the actual need of the sector, the need for deregulation and private
investment, as well as foreign investment, cannot be denied. Nevertheless, the role
of the government in exploration and research should be further strengthened.
The quantity and quality of the proved mineral resources of the country and the
relative position of Iran within the global framework of countries rich in natural
resources, on the one hand, and the small share of mining sector in the GDP,
employment, and exports of the country, on the other hand, reveal the demand for
further investment in the sector. In view of the limitations of the government funds
and facilities, the need for foreign investment is obvious. However, the restric-
tions exerted by the constitution of the country on the investment by foreign
financial institutions have formed the major obstacle on the way of disinvest-
ments, leading to weakening of this important sector of the economy. Tables 7.10,
7.11, and 7.12 summarize the information available for the mining sector as per
the latest government statistics.
7.5 Mineral Resources of Iran
The results of economic geology investigations and statistical reports on the

known mineral deposits and indications, encompassing metals, nonmetals, and
fossil fuels, of Iran are compared with the world mining statistics, hereunder, to
illustrate the standing of the country in terms of resources, production, and trade
of various mining products. Though the information on Iranian mines is collected
from various published and unpublished reports presented at national and
international levels, they are only the best estimates obtainable and not the exact
numbers resulting from scientific research. It is tried to compile all the available
308
Table 7.10 Value of the products of various materials in operating mines (Rls. million)
Year
Product 1991 1996 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
Coal 78,243 357,943 494,023 594,799 522,087 570,566 799,739 841,165 819,137 797,109 1,077,642 1,427,715
Iron 19,237 231,205 495,271 595,193 780,799 947,000 1,437,617 1,675,940 3,222,727 4,769,515 5,483,753 9,576,836
Lead–zinc 17,866 92,546 78,732 152,840 223,631 195,458 177,608 189,647 353,996 518,345 1,853,634 1,784,373
Golda 0 3,042 3,329 3,909 4,133 9,415 4,002 28,819 68,397 107,975 113,156 195,740
Coppera 73,698 269,038 305,209 340,091 457,705 1,145,592 742,074 851,700 3,112,739 5,373,778 7,500,248 8,449,079
Chromite 8,460 80,024 88,156 84,495 62,543 70,388 88,513 85,547 122,625 159,703 297,223 244,018
Manganese 1,047 9,344 19,503 15,303 20,793 31,023 177,443 39,833 60,751 41,837 51,383 84,811
Bauxite 754 13,194 21,350 21,743 2,298 4,253 1,772 57,650 93,814 129,978 153,928 127,506
Kaolinite 1,002 36,169 42,790 38,211 76,405 98,729 89,224 160,585 135,856 111,128 236,033 201,866
and
fireclay
Dolomite 772 6,493 9,299 7,710 11,016 14,337 18,733 28,553 26,865 25,178 29,395 52,929
Bentonite 243 1,490 2,448 4,051 5,686 7,123 9,266 9,539 11,995 14,451 12,382 19,321
Magnesite 400 10,716 17,718 17,967 31,658 21,069 20,674 24,067 22,399 20,731 46,722 32,098
Sodium 438 7,729 4,214 7,482 18,110 7,622 39,174 51,876 35,223 18,570 14,306 46,499
sulfate
Barite 1,497 8,351 11,345 14,895 20,366 24,215 20,230 24,566 37,094 49,623 39,997 66,128
Ochre 836 2,317 2,507 3,491 5,431 6,181 11,158 5,150 2,813 477 41 500
Fluorine 919 4,448 6,252 6,653 10,675 11,118 17,600 12,216 18,760 25,305 53,959 58,485
Borax 38 2,235 888 2,317 2,203 2,312 2,263 3,259 3,050 2,841 3,328 3,180
Orpiment 313 144 1,131 719 580 879 613 1,650 825 0 180 560
Phosphate – 600 1,155 553 19,322 39,484 23,095 67,670 91,218 114,766 31,018 25,153
Rock salt 3,220 26,390 31,392 32,037 43,904 38,076 39,140 46,497 58,034 69,571 109,273 159,849
Silica 2,059 18,314 26,183 27,997 46,432 49,152 98,677 67,035 77,195 87,355 148,891 189,067
7.5
Perlite and 970 3,672 4,058 5,115 7,925 10,147 16,742 26,818 24,643 22,468 24,926 37,928
pumice
Feldspar 393 3,158 5,047 5,614 12,175 9,474 14,390 17,460 18,354 19,248 32,814 35,761
Talcum 222 1,635 1,543 2,581 4,208 11,491 4,193 6,760 6,032 5,304 6,959 8,671
Asbestos 685 1,978 2,477 2,730 5,190 3,450 2,366 3,181 3,085 2,990 0 0
Sea shells 654 3,415 3,083 10,063 7,316 7,674 3,650 22,240 19,790 17,340 12,786 18,570
Mica 89 1,294 342 1,245 5,798 4,293 2,106 14,001 7,876 1,752 4,405 5,152
Turquoise 80 325 495 442 503 954 954 1,542 3,148 4,755 7,625 10,000
Gravel and 78,693 277,148 279,929 371,280 453,361 543,928 798,523 929,846 1,057,592 1,185,339 1,548,204 2,147,538
Mineral Resources of Iran
sand
Decorative 76,266 238,796 437,254 604,752 790,178 1,013,763 1,214,525 1,499,976 1,509,672 1,519,369 1,916,393 3,050,306
stones
Rubble 5,258 57,910 56,782 58,178 154,940 309,179 144,171 191,449 301,283 411,118 487,803 737,096
stoneb
Ballastb 0 8,457 11,660 13,984 22,557 17,147 16,770 13,158 7,428 1,698 19,448 45,283
Limestone 28,229 124,664 159,815 258,759 263,316 363,066 346,650 672,250 795,881 919,513 1,079,502 1,516,897
Gypsum 11,543 37,036 63,450 65,863 83,768 87,085 102,168 182,588 201,837 221,087 236,511 277,459
Total 414,124 1,941,220 2,688,827 3,373,442 4,177,181 5,675,643 6,484,723 7,854,233 12,332,134 16,670,217 22,633,868 30,641,624
a
Data for gold production in 1991 are included with copper ore
b
Data for ballast production in 1991 are included with rubble stone
309
310
Table 7.11 Employment, services, salaries paid, and value of products of active mines of various provinces
No. of mines No. of employees Salaries
Type of ownership Production and service Value of
Administration compensation productsa
Province Total Private Public Total Technical Nontechnical and services (Rls. million) (Rls. million)
West Azerbaijan 145 125 20 1,344 843 237 264 20,848 89,967
East Azerbaijan 148 138 11 1,055 467 327 261 13,973 88,520
Ardebil 31 23 8 213 130 38 45 2,683 10,048
Esfahan 207 177 30 4,363 2,230 1,079 1,055 77,366 427,428
Ilam 30 28 2 326 143 71 112 3,317 18,424
Bushehr 74 68 6 1,243 582 211 450 31,618 261,677
Tehran 94 84 10 1,198 675 367 156 18,298 124,272
Chahar-Mahal 54 46 8 428 233 48 146 7,528 64,763
and Bakhtiyary
Khorasan 261 253 8 4,421 2,101 1,529 791 50,584 280,415
Khuzestan 138 134 4 1,862 798 700 364 25,245 97,095
Zanjan 64 59 5 679 366 201 112 12,779 104,331
Semnan 139 123 16 3,113 1,732 739 642 43,863 151,006
Sistan and 40 29 11 383 187 103 93 5,266 27,852
Baluchestan
Fars 146 125 21 2,976 1,778 553 644 37,697 368,415
Ghazvin 69 61 8 540 295 115 130 7,003 144,104
Qom 58 54 4 910 245 466 198 10,889 54,133
Kordestan 140 115 25 970 377 456 137 10,551 62,601
Kerman 101 94 7 10,001 5,259 1,548 3,196 219,332 1,483,731
Kermanshah 76 53 23 540 315 112 112 5,677 25,474
Kohkilooye and 64 59 5 374 120 171 83 3,698 11,243
Boyr-Ahmad
7.5
Golestan 44 33 11 1,670 914 492 263 21,852 58,715

Gilan 35 30 5 759 269 366 124 8,109 66,108
Lorestan 90 76 13 2,354 1,174 454 726 38,421 253,928
Mazandaran 111 97 14 5,063 1,905 2,055 1,103 98,244 197,935
Markazi 151 129 22 1,542 853 415 274 19,069 95,282
Hormozgan 45 37 8 769 362 279 128 12,048 80,249
Hamedan 209 181 28 1,176 451 565 160 9,292 62,160
Yazd 123 112 11 5,290 3,210 1,241 839 84,135 965,910
311
Table 7.12 Employment, services, salaries paid, and value of products of active mines of various materials for 2001–2002 fiscal
312
No. of mines No. of employees

Type of Salaries and service
ownership Production
Administration compensation Value of products
Activities Total Private Public Total Technical Nontechnical and services (Rls. million) (Rls. million)
Coal 83 69 14 13,954 7,284 2,709 3,961 237,707 570,566
Iron 24 19 5 3,288 2,073 573 642 69,284 947,000
Lead–zinc 11 9 2 1,553 803 480 270 43,133 195,458
Gold 3 2 1 101 69 12 20 1,536 9,415
Copper 9 4 5 2,459 1,326 419 714 80,572 1,145,592
Chromite 23 23 0 2,121 772 1,235 114 35,680 70,388
Manganese 9 9 0 522 100 322 100 6,265 31,023
Antimony 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Bauxite 6 4 2 120 62 49 9 1,420 4,253
Kaolinite and 105 100 5 1,370 482 561 327 20,126 98,729
fireclay
Dolomite 16 14 2 144 87 34 23 1,786 14,337
Bentonite 17 16 1 112 67 26 19 1,300 7,123
Magnesite 24 22 2 327 109 181 37 4,183 21,069
Sodium sulfate 35 34 1 232 71 127 34 1,623 7,622
Barite 56 54 2 573 274 183 116 7,125 24,215
Ochre 6 5 1 56 29 14 13 961 6,181
Fluorine 9 9 0 239 89 105 45 3,364 11,118
Celestine 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Borax 1 0 1 24 10 2 12 594 2,312
Orpiment 1 0 1 12 8 3 1 236 879
Alunite 1 1 0 8 3 3 2 44 144
Phosphate 2 0 2 155 119 28 8 2,264 39,484
Rock salt 61 58 3 742 346 278 117 7,229 38,076
7.5
Silica 92 86 6 694 283 303 108 8,746 49,152

Perlite and 30 28 2 182 77 54 51 1,832 10,147
pumice
Feldspar 17 16 1 127 54 47 26 1,217 9,474
Talcum 7 6 1 98 54 31 13 1,477 11,491
Asbestos 1 1 0 131 45 61 25 1,872 3,450
Sea shells 6 6 0 267 64 165 38 1,471 7,674
Mica 7 7 0 67 27 30 10 720 4,293
Turquoise 1 0 1 24 7 10 7 303 954
Gravel and sand 1,028 843 185 9,507 4,569 2,693 2,245 116,335 543,928
Decorative 503 466 37 9,071 4,871 2,211 1,989 131,718 1,013,763
stones
Rubble stone 305 286 19 2,827 1,325 795 707 46,506 309,179
Ballast 8 3 5 217 108 78 31 3,451 17,147
Limestone 180 149 31 2,796 1,656 668 472 42,622 363,066
Gypsum 199 194 5 1,441 690 449 302 14,678 87,085
Total 2,886 2,543 343 55,560 28,013 14,939 12,608 899,382 5,675,787
313
Table 7.13 Iron reserve provinces of Iran

Province Mining area Reserves
Khaf Sangan mining complex 900 million tons
Bafq Choghart, Chadormalou, Sechahoon, Chahgaz, Narigan 2 billion tons
Sirjan Gol Gohar Mining Complex 1.2 billion tons
Total 4.1 billion tons
data on Iranian mines gathered from field works and visits on Iranian deposits by
the author, Iran Statistics Center, USGS, and World Mineral Statistics in order
to reach a better conclusion. However, more attention is paid to the qualitative
aspects of some minerals.
7.5.1 Iron
Over 200 ore deposits, indications, or anomalies of iron are recognized in Iran
whose reserves amount to almost 4.5 billion tons of iron ore. The average grade of
iron in these reserves varies from 45 to 60%. More than 90% of Iran’s iron ore
deposits are located in the three provinces listed in Table 7.13, while Table 7.14
presents a comparison of Iran’s iron ores with the rest of the world.
The share of Iran from the overall iron reserves stands at 2.7–3%, while the share
in the world production varies from 0.9 to 1.0%.
7.5.2 Manganese
Over 45 ore deposit and indication of manganese are recognized in Iran, out of
which 10 deposits are of medium tonnage and the rest are either small deposits or
indications, revealing the fact that Iran is poorer in terms of manganese as compared
to iron. Therefore, although the iron production has gone up in recent years, the
manganese production has stayed unchanged. However, new exploration might
result in the discovery of valuable manganese ore deposits. Tables 7.15, 7.16, and 7.17,
respectively, illustrate the most important manganese ores, manganese-bearing iron
ores, and the status of manganese production in Iran.
7.5.3 Chromium (Chromite)
The known chromite ore deposits of Iran are of Alpine type and therefore hard to
estimate their reserves. However, considering the number of chromite ore deposits
and indications (almost 200) and the vast distribution of rock types that are associated
Table 7.14 Reserves, production, and trade of iron in Iran as compared to the worlda, b, d
World
Production
Reserves 2010 2011 Resources Export Import
330 billion 2.59 billion 2.8 billion 800 billion 1.041 billion 1.041 billion
tonsc tons tons tons tons tons
Iran
Reserves Production Resources Exporte Importe
b d
4.6 billion tons 27 million tons (ore) 8 billion tons 1.8 million tons 3.9 billion tons
a
Mineral Commodity Summaries 2008
b
Probable reserves
c
Proved reserves
d
In recent years, it has been fluctuating, but the overall growth rate has been around 6 percent; U.S.
Geological Survey, Mineral Commodity Summaries, January 2012
e
Australian commodity statistics, 2011; Statistics from Iranian Ministry of Mines and Metals as of
2009 and Islamic Republic of Iran’s Custom Administration as of 2010
Table 7.15 Important manganese deposits of Iran (Samani 1995)

Name of the deposit Proved reserve (tons) Probable reserve (tons)
Venarch 6,000,000 –
Dabakloo – 1,100,000
Benvid – 70,000
Chah Sefid 40,000–50,000 –
Robat Karim 386,000 500,000–200,000,000
Bozni 110,000 300,000
Ab Band 50,000–100,000 –
Asad 50,000 –
Bensivert 20,000
Chah Bashe 1,030,000 182,000,000
Baft 120,000 360,000
Zabol 5,000 –
Table 7.16 Manganese-bearing iron deposits of Iran

Name of the deposit Proved reserve (tons) Probable reserve (tons)
Shams Abad 100,000,000 140,000,000
Heneshk 300,000–500,000 75,000,000
Narigan 3,000,000 –
with chromite, the possibility of discovering small- and medium-sized reserves

(or even large-sized bodies, on the basis of geological characteristics) cannot be
ruled out. Most of the chromite deposits of Iran are situated in Faryab, Esfandaghe,
Makran, Khash-Nehbandan Belt, Sabzevar, and Neyriz (Fars). The important chromite
Table 7.17 Reserves, production, and trade of manganese in Iran as compared to the worlda
World
Production
630 million 13.9 million 14 million 5.2 billion tons 7–8 million tons 7.5 million tons
tons tons tons
Iran
Reserves Production Resources Export Import
b
10.19 million tons 121,450 tons 100 million tons 3,290 tons 68,450 tons
U.S. Geological Survey, Mineral Commodity Summaries, January 2012
Statistics from Iranian Ministry of Mines and Metals as of 2009 and Islamic Republic of Iran’s
Custom Administration as of 2010
a
b
Manganese-bearing iron ore
Table 7.18 Important chromite deposits of Iran

Name of the mine Location Proved reserve (tons) Probable reserve (tons)
Esfandaghe Baft-Kerman 500,000 1,000,000–2,000,000
Faryab 147 km north of – 2,000,000–3,000,000
Bandar Abbas
Foroumad-Gaft Sabzevar – 200,000
Arzou Hormozgan 700,000 >1,000,000
Dareh Bid, Dareh Sabzevar – 200,000
Parand
Sefid Abe Zabol – >1,000,000
deposits of Iran are listed in Table 7.18, and the status of Iran’s deposits as compared
to the world in Table 7.19.
7.5.4 Molybdenum
There are considerable amounts of molybdenum associated with the porphyry

copper deposits of Sarcheshme, Meydook, Songoon, and Dareh Zar. In addi-
tion, a number of vein-type copper deposits of Iran show high contents of this
metal, for example, Senj copper deposit (Karaj). Table 7.20 shows the amount
of reserves, production, and trade of molybdenum in Iran as compared to the
world figures.
7.5.5 Copper
Around 500 ore deposits and indications of copper are recognized in Iran,
while only about 100 of them are surveyed and explored. Presently, there are
Table 7.19 Reserves, production, and trade of chromite in Iran as compared to the worlda
World
Production
>480 million tons 23.7 24 million 12 billion tons 7.6 million tons 7.2 million tons
million tons
tons
Iran
10 million tons 233,380 tons 100 million tons 200,000 tons 547 tons
a
Table 7.20 Reserves, production, and trade of molybdenum in Iran as compared to the worlda
World
Production
10 million tons 242,000 250,000 14 million tons 115,000–125,000 145,000–170,000
tons tons tons tons
Iran
50,000 tons 2,500 tonsb 0.5 million tons 1,000 tons 1,000 tons
a
b
Average production of concentrated molybdenite over the past 5 years was 1,900 tons
10 active copper mines in Iran whose reserves amount to 3 billion tons of ore,
containing 30 million tons of copper metal comprising 9% of the world’s
known copper reserves. The deposits can be geographically divided into six
major provinces, namely, Kerman (which holds the largest reserves of the
country), Azerbaijan (dominantly situated in the Ahar-Jolfa belt in Arasbaran
area), South Khorasan–North Sistan (only reconnaissance surveys carried out),
Minab-Kahnooj (only reconnaissance surveys carried out), Sabzevar-Semnan
(all are of vein type with no porphyry deposits yet reported), and Tarom. The
reserves, production, and trade of copper in Iran and the rest of the world are
illustrated in Table 7.21.
Table 7.21 Reserves, production, and trade of copper in Iran as compared to the worlda, b
World
Production
Reserves 2010 2011 Resources Exportb Importb
690 million tons 15.9 million 16.1 million 3700 million 5.2 million 5.03 million
tons tons tons tons tons
Iran
30 million tons 0.2 million tons (Cu) 250 million 0.15 million –
(3 billion tons of ore) tons tons (Cu)
a
b
Australian commodity statistics, 2010
Table 7.22 Reserves, production, and trade of lead in Iran as compared to the worlda
World
Production
Reserves 2010 2011 Resources Exports Imports
85 million tons 4.14 million 4.5 million 1.5 billion tons 1.07 million 1.499 million
tons tons tons tons
Iran
Reserves Production Resources Exportsb Imports
5 million tons (Pb) 1.245 million tons 1 billion tons (Ore) 360,940 –
tons
a
b
In the form of lead concentrate
7.5.6 Lead–Zinc
The lead–zinc ore deposits and indications in Iran number more than 600. Taking
into account the average grade of the ores, the amount of lead and zinc metals is
estimated at 18 and 5 million tons, respectively. There is a high probability of fin-
ding new large reserves as the exploration techniques advance. Tables 7.22 and 7.23
show, respectively, the status of Iran’s lead and zinc deposits as compared to the
world figures.
7.5.7 Aluminum (Bauxite)
Bauxite reserves of Iran are not significant in amount, and considering the conditions
required for the formation of this mineral as well as the geological setting of the country,
Table 7.23 Reserves, production, and trade of zinc in Iran as compared to the worlda, d
World
Production
250 million tons (Zn) 12 million 12.4 million 1.9 billion tons 4.052 tons 4.418 tons
tons tons
Iran
Reservesb Production Resources Exportsc Imports
200 million tons (Ore) 1.245 million tons 1 billion tons (Ore) 47,875 tons 16,688 tons
a
b
Total lead–zinc ores
c
In form of zinc concentrate
d
Table 7.24 Economic characteristics of bauxite deposits of Iran (Soheili 2004)

Name of the deposit Reserve (million tons) Percentage of Al2O3 Dominant mineral
Jajarm 10.6 (Proved) 47 Bauxite
Siyah Roudbar 14 (Probable) 39 (Average) Dominantly diaspore
(Gorgan)
Shahbodaghi 2 (Probable) 50 (Average) Dominantly diaspore
(Damavand)
Ab-e Garm-e 14 (Probable) 40 (Average) Dominantly diaspore
Ghazvin
Sarchaveh 3.5 (Probable) 42 (Average) Dominantly diaspore
Sadr Abad (Yazd) 2 (Proved) 45 Diaspore
Shomal (Yazd) 2 (Proved) 45 Diaspore
Chekchek (Yazd) 1 (Proved) 39 Diaspore
Dehdasht 2 (Proved) 55 Boehmite and diaspore
the discovery of extensive bauxite deposits is not anticipated. However, there are a
few sizable bauxite deposits that are economically exploited. These are listed in
Table 7.24, while the status of the country from the point of view of aluminum
resources is compared with that of the world in Table 7.25.
7.5.8 Arsenic
Although there are no estimates of the amount of arsenic reserves in Iran, the
presence of 17 ore deposits and indications of this metal points toward the vast
occurrence of arsenic in Iran. Two ore bodies at Zarshouran and Valilou are
Table 7.25 Reserves, production, and trade of aluminum, bauxite, and alumina in Iran as compared
to the worlda
World
Reserves Production (aluminum) Resources

(bauxite) 2010 2011 (bauxite) Exports Imports
29 billion 40.8 million 44.1 million >55 billion 11.5 million
tons tons tons tons tons 12.2 million tons
Iran
Reserves Production (aluminum) Resources Exports Imports (alumina)
(bauxite) (bauxite)
39 million tons 0.727 million tons Not promising – 0.152 million tons
a
Table 7.26 Reserves, production, and trade of arsenic in Iran as compared to the worlda, b
World
Production
1 million tons 52,800 tons 52,000 tons 11 million 27,000 tons 20,000 tons
tons
Iran
Reserves Production Resources Exports Imports
0.05 million tons 2,000 tons 0.5 million – –
tons
a
b
exploited presently. The Zarshouran ore deposit is unrivaled all over the world
for purity, texture, and crystal form of its mineral (realgar). The most important
arsenic ore deposits of Iran are Zarshouran, Chalpou (Kuh Sorkh, Kashmar),
Dashkasan, Valilou, Dastjerd, Tikme Dash, Ali Abad, Torbat-e Jam (arsenopyrite),
and Anarak (copper arsenate). Table 7.26 illustrates the status of arsenic reserves
of Iran as compared to that of the world.
7.5.9 Antimony
Fifteen ore deposits and indications of antimony are known to occur in Iran, out of
which only three are actively mined. The geographic distribution of antimony in
Iran can be categorized into the following three regions:
1. Ghorve, Bijar, Takab (Dashkasan, Moghanlou and Agh Dare)
2. Anarak area in Central Iran (Patyar, Torkamani)
Table 7.27 Reserves, production, and trade of antimony in Iran as compared to the worlda, b
World
Production
1.8 million tons 167,000 tons 169,000 tons 5.1 million 27,700 tons 62,600 tons
tons
Iran
0.3 million tons 106 tons 0.5 million – –
tons
a
b
Table 7.28 Reserves, production, and trade of rhenium in Iran as compared to the worlda
World
Production
2,500 tons 47.2 tons 49 tons 6,000 tons –
Iran
– 1,000 tons – –
a
3. Ferdos, Kashmar, and Torbat Jam area in Eastern Iran

The statistics regarding the reserves, production, and trade of antimony is presented
in Table 7.27.
7.5.10 Rhenium
Some of the porphyry-type copper deposits of Iran contain significant quantities of

trace elements such as rhenium. Table 7.28 illustrates the status of the country com-
pared to the rest of the world for rhenium.
7.5.11 Gold
The number of deposits and indications of gold in Iran is 146, but no exact figure
on the amount of reserves of this precious metal is at hand due to the unavailability
of modern exploration techniques. Nonetheless, taking into account the geological
evidence of gold mineralization, as well as the information on well-explored gold
Table 7.29 Recently surveyed gold deposits of Iran (Ghorbani 2008a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h)

Name of the deposit Probable reserve (tons) Average grade (ppm)
Zarshouran (Takab) 100 4–10
Agh Dare (Takab) 30 2.7
Dashkasan (Qorve) 63 –
Moote (Delijan) 14 2.5–4
Kuh-e Zar (Torbat Heydariye) 15 3.3
Kharvana (Tabriz) 30 4
Table 7.30 Reserves, production, and trade of gold in Iran as compared to the worlda, b
World
Production
Reserves (proved) Basic reserves 2010 2011 Resources Exports Imports
51,000 tons 90,000 tons 2,560 tons 2,700 tons – –
Iran
Reserves (probable) Basic reserves Production Resources Exports Imports
330 tons 3 tons >1,000 tons – –
a
b
deposits of the country, the gold reserves of Iran are optimistically estimated at
1,000 tons. The specifications of the major gold deposits of the country are enumer-
ated in Table 7.29, while the status of Iran among the gold-producing countries of
the world is shown in Table 7.30.
7.5.12 Phosphate
Over 80 phosphate occurrences and indications are known to exist in Iran. Based on
the available exploration data, the proved reserves of the country can be genetically
categorized into sedimentary and igneous types. Tables 7.30 and 7.31 show the most
important phosphate deposits and the global position of Iran from the point of view
of phosphate reserves, production, and trade, respectively (Table 7.32).
7.5.13 Fluorite
Known fluorite resources of Iran number more than 30 with reserves estimated at
500,000 tons with base reserve of around 1 million tons. Presently, four localities
Table 7.31 Major phosphate deposits of Iran (Halalat and Bolourchi 1994)
Probable reserve Average grade of
Name of the deposit Geographic location (million tons) phosphate (%)
Kuh-e Lar Charam, Kohkilouye 350 8
Kuh-e Koome Southeast of Dehdasht 22 9.3
Kuh-e Rish North of Behbahan 10.6 11.2
Sheikh Habil North of Dehdasht 1 22
Kuh-e Sefid South of Eize 17 12.5
Rizroud – 160 8.25
Khur Moj East of Bushehr 56 8.5
Kuh-e Namak North of Kangan 24 8.2
Chenar Northeast of Andimeshk 5 3.2
Shemshak-Jiroud North of Tehran 73 9.13
Firooz Kuh- Gadouk Northeast of Firoozkuh 56 12
Deh Molla Southwest of Shahroos 9 10
Kalmard Anticline Southwest of T2abas 6.2 5
Dahooieye (Zarand) East of Zarand 1.13 7.5
Dalir South of Chalous 23 11.5
Vali Abad South of Chalous 3 9
Zanjan Southwest of Zanjan 12 –
Firooz Abad South of Chalous 40 8
Esfordi Northeast of Bafq 15 12
Zarigan Northeast of Bafq 0.5 3
Total 883.43 8.78
Table 7.32 Reserves, production, and trade of phosphate in Iran as compared to the worlda
World
Reserves (proved) Basic reserves Production Resources Exports Imports
12 billion tons 24 billion tons 158 million Numerous 1.365 million 0.5 million
tons tons tons
Iran
Reserves (probable) Basic reserves Production Resources Exports Imports
400 million tons 800 million tons 0.25 million 5 billion tons 18,470 tons 409 tons
tons
Australian Commodity Summaries, 2008
a
are extracted. The most important fluorite reserves of Iran are situated in the
following provinces:
• Mazandaran with 83,000 tons
• Khorasan with 326,000 tons
Table 7.33 Reserves, production, and trade of fluorite in Iran as compared to the worlda
World
Production
240 million tons 6.01 million 6.2 million 500 million – –
tons tons tons
Iran
1.4 million tons 66,129 tons >40 million 0.07 million –
tons tons
a
Table 7.34 Reserves, production, and trade of rock salt in Iran as compared to the worlda, b
World
Production
Numerous 280 million 290 million Numerous 25 million tons 26 million tons
tons tons approx.
Iran
> 10 billion 2.477 million tons Numerous 0.126 million tons 426 tons
tons
a
b
Australian commodity Summaries, 2008
• Esfahan with 120,000 tons

• Kordestan with 5,000 tons
7.5.14 Rock Salt
Iran is famous for its numerous salt diapirs (salt domes) that are in fact mountains (made
up of rock salt) which have pierced their overlying rock layers and become exposed at
the surface. There are more than 100 such structures with very high salt content, each of
which can be considered as an independent rock salt deposit (Table 7.33).
Additionally, there are many salt water springs with high salt content that can be
taken as a source of dissolved (aqueous) salt. In some lakes such as Oroumiye and
Maharlou, the salt content is so high that extraction by means of decantation method
is possible. Table 7.34 illustrates the position of Iran from the point of view of rock
salt reserves and production among other countries.
Table 7.35 Reserves, production, and trade of boron in Iran as compared to the worlda
World
Production
210 million tons 4.08 million 4.3 million N.A. 142,000 tons 185,000 tons
tons tons approx.
Iran
b
25,000 tons 1,000–1,500 tons N.A. – 73.5 tons
a
b
With new finds, it is expected to go beyond 1 million tons.
Table 7.36 Reserves, production, and trade of kaolin in Iran as compared to the worlda, b
World
Production
N.A. 33.1 million 33.3 million Numerous 28.5 million tons 23.0 million tons
tons tons approx.
Iran
382 million 945,758 tons > 2 billion 38,179 tons 49,696 tons
tons tons
a
b
Australian Commodity Summaries, 2008
7.5.15 Boron (Borax)
There are seven known deposits and indications of boron in Iran. But taking into account
the conditions favorable for formation of economic boron bodies, one can expect discov-
ery of more such deposits in various parts of the country. The boron production and
reserves of Iran as compared to the rest of the world are presented in Table 7.35.
7.5.15.1 Kaolin
Over 70 deposits and indications of kaolin occur in Iran, most of which are suitable to
be utilized in the ceramic industry. Table 7.36 indicates the reserves and production
of kaolin in Iran and the world.
Table 7.37 Reserves, production, and trade of bentonite in Iran as compared to the worlda
World
Production
N.A. 10.6 million 11.3 million Numerous 57 million tons 40 million tons
tons tons approx.
Iran
> 100 million 356,980 tons > 1 billion 68,580 tons 1,478 tons
tons tons
a
7.5.16 Bentonite
Ever since the ancient times, bentonite has been utilized in Iran, and at present there
are more than 100 deposits and indications of it in various parts of Iran. Table 7.37
compares the reserves, production, and trade of bentonite in Iran with the world.
7.5.17 Vermiculite
The available information on vermiculite deposits of the country is incoherent and

limited. Until today, there has not been any systematic exploration or survey carried
out on the vermiculite deposits of Iran. There are numerous indications of vermicu-
lite in Kerman, Shahin Dezh (West Azerbaijan), Amlash (Gilan), and Kaleybar
(East Azerbaijan), with the last two being actively extracted.
7.5.18 Mica
Various reserves and resources of mica are known to occur in Iran so that there are
over 40 deposits and indications of this mineral having an overall reserve of more
than 1 million tons. However, there are only two active mines where mica extraction
is currently undergoing, namely, Masoule and Qare Bagh. Table 7.38 lists the status
of mica reserves, production, and trade in Iran and the rest of the world.
7.5.19 Strontium
Considerable reserves of celestite (strontium sulfate) are known, and ten economic
deposits are being extracted that are distributed in south of Varamin and Garmsar,
Anarak, and North of Khuzestan. The statistics of strontium reserves and produc-
tion are presented in Table 7.39.
Table 7.38 Reserves, production, and trade of mica in Iran as compared to the worlda
World
991 million tons 5.2 million tons 1.469 billion tons – –
Iran
1 million tons 5,930 tons 5 million tons – 1,499 tons
a
Table 7.39 Reserves, production, and trade of strontium in Iran as compared to the worlda
World
Production
6.8 million tons 405,000 tons 380,000 tons 1.2 billion tons – –
Iran
b
2 million tons 2,000 tons 5 million tons – –
a
b
In the year 1990 Iran was ranked fourth among strontium exporting countries
7.5.20 Barite
The number of barite deposits and indications in Iran exceeds 50 with overall
reserves of 10 million tons. Nonetheless, there are high chances of discovering new
reserves. The present status of production and trade of barite in Iran and the world
is shown in Table 7.40.
7.5.21 Diatomite
A number of diatomite deposits have been studied in Azerbaijan Province, a few having
considerable reserves. No data are, however, available on these deposits (Table 7.41).
7.5.22 Feldspars
Half of the 100 known feldspar deposits and indications of Iran are currently being
extracted. Genetically, these can be divided into two categories, namely, those
Table 7.40 Reserves, production, and trade of barite in Iran as compared to the worlda
World
Production
240 million tons 7.85 million 7.8 million 880 million tons 148,000 tons 148,000 tons
tons tons
Iran
5.3 million tons 343,700 tons 100 million tons 70,460 tons 76 tons
a
Table 7.41 Reserves, production, and trade of perlite in Iran as compared to the worlda
World
Production
Numerous 1.82 million 1.8 million – – –
tons tons
Iran
0.5 million tons 9,600 tons – – –
a
associated with acidic intrusive bodies and those of volcanic and tufaceous origin
(Table 7.42).
7.5.23 Perlite
The large reserves of perlite deposits of Iran are associated with shallow marine acid
volcanic rocks. Table 7.43 shows the statistics on perlite in Iran as compared to the
rest of the world.
7.5.24 Dimension Stones
Iran has very high potentials for the production and export of various dimension
stones, but, in spite of growing production of mines during the past decade, in many
instances, these potentials have been overlooked. Construction, decorative, and facing
World
Production
Numerous 20.6 million 20.7 million – – –
tons tons
Iran
21 million 648,350 tons Numerous 104,981 tons 20,748 tons
tons
a
World
Production
700 million tons 1.67 million 1.9 million 7.7 billion – –
tons tons tons
Iran
250 million tons 40,307 tons 1 billion tons 227 tons 753 tons
a
stones of Iran are among the highest qualities available all over the world. In terms
of variety of color, texture, quality, and economic value, some of these reserves are
unique and can be extracted and exported, creating jobs and income for the country.
In the year 1999, there were 1584 active mines producing more than 66 million tons
of dimension stones (567 of these mines produced about 7 million tons of decora-
tive and facing stones). The data regarding this category of mining products are
presented in Table 7.44.
7.5.25 Magnesite
Most of the 100 plus magnesite deposit of Iran occur in Khorasan Province around
Birjand. Tables 7.45 and 7.46 show the most important magnesite deposits and the
global position of Iran from the point of view of magnesite reserves, production,
and trade, respectively.
Table 7.44 Reserves, production, and trade of dimension stones in Iran as compared to the worlda
World
N.A. 85 million Numerous 11 million tons 15 million
tonsb tons
Iran
Reserves Production Resources Exportc Import
> 100 million 10–11 million N.A 880,000 tons as –
tons tons dimension stonesd
a
b
The unprocessed dimension stones extracted amounted to 104.5 million tons
c
The total exports of construction stones were around 393,000 tons
d
In the year 1998, exports amounted to 129,000 tons
Table 7.45 Major magnesite deposits of Iran (Ghorbani 2007a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h)

Proved Probable
Name of the deposit reserve (tons) reserve (tons)
Chah Khou 254,000 N.A.
North Afzal Abad 170,000 252,000
Gounij 170,000 2,700,000
South Afzal Abad 99,000 N.A.
Hoz Sefid 212,000 N.A.
East Hoz Sefid 190,000 N.A.
Torshak Mohammadi 1,546,000 N.A.
Tabas Mesina N.A. N.A.
Sar Lord 162,000 N.A.
Shir Kuhak 1,450,000 N.A.
Kasr Ab 23,000 36,000
Tok Siah 72,000 105,000
Rezq Soleyman 6,400 8,000
Kalate Ali Mohammad 17,500 N.A.
Shour-o-Shirin 104,000 N.A.
Cheshme Lagouri N.A. 131,000
Farmaj 3,600 N.A.
Espiki 142,000 238,000
Hasan Abad-e Kourin 220,000 547,000
7.5.26 Fossil Fuels (Petroleum, Natural Gas, and Coal)
Coal reserves of Iran constitute a nominal 1% of the world reserves, but having
around 11% of the total petroleum resources and 16% of the gas reserves, and still
being a potential target for further exploration activities with many reserves still to be
found, Iran has a distinctive position from the point of view of fossil fuels. The statis-
tics on the fossil fuels of the country are presented in Tables 7.47, 7.48, and 7.49.
Table 7.46 Reserves, production, and trade of magnesite in Iran as compared to the worlda
World
Production
2.2 billion tons 5.76 million 5.9 million 12 billion 4.5 million 4.3 million
tons tons tons tons tons
Iran
2.45 million tons 0.1 million tons 10 million tons 49 tons –
a
Table 7.47 Reserves, production, and trade of crude oil in Iran as compared to the worlda
World
Proved
reserves 2008 Production 2011 Resources Export 2008 Import 2008
948 billion tons 835.796 million Almost twice 14.54 billion 14.54 billion
barrels per day the amount barrels barrels
of reserves
Iran
Proved reserves Production 2011 Resources Export 2012 Import 2008
1.3 billion tons 1.61 billion 250 billion 2,200 billion 50.49 million
barrels barrels barrels per day barrels per day
U.S. Energy Information Administration
a
BP Statistical World Review of Energy 2008
Table 7.48 Reserves, production, and trade of natural gas in Iran as compared to the worlda
World
Proved
188 trillion m3 112,090 billion – 885 billion m3 903.1 billion m3
cubic feet
Iran
Proved
29.6 trillion m3 5,161 billion 50 trillion m3 5.4 billion m3 5.2 billion m3
cubic feet
a
Table 7.49 Reserves, production, and trade of coal in Iran as compared to the worlda
World
Proved reserves Production Resources Export Import
8,261 billion tons 7.985 billion – 1.21 billion 1.178 billion
ton tons tons
Iran 2010
1.71 billion tons 1.29 million – 34,000 tons 708,000 tons
tons
a
Table 7.50 Water budget of Irana

Average total annual precipitation 412 billion m3
Total surface water including springs 99.7 billion m3
Total surface water excluding springs 81 billion m3
Total groundwater recharge 50.72 billion m3
Total ground and surface water resources 131.72 billion m3
Total groundwater discharge 54.72 billion m3
Total water regulated through dams 35 billion m3
Total runoff to the outside of the country 16.52 billion m3
Total runoff into the country 8.08 billion m3
Total amount of water utilized in the country 75 billion m3
a
The balance report on water resources of Iran, Office of Water Resource Research Organization,
2005–2006
7.5.27 Water Resources (Budget)
The annual precipitation in Iran amounts to 412 billion m3 of water, which is

described in the form of the water budget of the country as under (Table 7.50).
Chapter 8
Energy Resources, Production,
and Consumption in Iran Compared
with the World
Abstract This chapter covers the energy resources in Iran. These resources are
divided into two groups:
• Non renewable energy resources, which mainly include oil, gas, and coal
• Renewable resources whose significance has been noticed recently
The reserves of non renewable resources or fossil fuels are cited in this chapter
and compared to those in the Middle East and the rest of the world. The exploration
potentials of such energy resource are also discussed.
This chapter also discusses the significant non renewable energy resources and
their status quo. Among this type of energy resources geothermal, solar and running
water resources are included.
8.1 Types of Energy Resources
Energy is one the most important requirements of human life and has been utilized
since the ancient times till the present industrial age. The amount of consumption
has been proportional to the growth rate of the society.
Availability of accurate information on the various energy resources and their
consumption forms the foundations of any energy-related study or survey regarding
the production and supply of energy because they constitute the primary capital of any
trade or demand of energy; recognition of the sources and patterns of consumption
can determine the extent of possible economic activities.
Energy resources are divided into two types, namely, nonrenewable and
renewable. The former are not replenished in a foreseeable time and their consump-
tion leads to their depletion, while the latter can be continuously used because of
their replenishment over a comparatively shorter time.

334 8 Energy Resources, Production, and Consumption…
8.2 Nonrenewable Energy Resources
These primarily include fossil fuels, which are described in the following.
8.2.1 Crude Oil
Due to its high thermal quality, low cost of production, and ease of transportation,
crude oil is presently the best source of energy and is predicted to retain this position
till the year 2050.
While the proved reserves of crude oil constitute less than 14% of the global
reserves of energy, they provide over 40% of the world’s energy supply. According
to official statistics (OPEC website), the proved crude oil reserves are estimated
at 1.5 trillion barrels, and the consumption of crude oil in the year 2010 stood at
87 million barrels per day (Index mundi 2012).
8.2.2 Gas
The term natural gas refers to a combination of light gaseous hydrocarbons sometimes
with acidic or neutral impurities that are contained in natural reservoirs (Ghorbani
2007a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h). Refined natural gas is produced from raw natural gas and
contains over 80% methane and no acidic gases. The proved reserve of the global
gas resources stands at 185 trillion m3 (bp Website 2012).
8.2.3 Gas Condensates
Gases produced from various reserves may contain a considerable amount of light
hydrocarbons, which are heavier than methane and are separated as liquid phase in
different stages of processing (Ghorbani 2007a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h). The amount of gas
condensates depends on the nature of the gas reserve.
8.2.4 Tar Sands
Heavy crude and tar (weighing over 900 kg/m3), which are deposited as sand beds, are
called tar sands (Ghorbani 2007a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h). Due to their high viscosity, these
energy resources, dominantly found at the surface of the earth (occasionally up to a
depth of 750 m), are not readily extracted and are usually produced synthetically.
8.2 Nonrenewable Energy Resources 335
Substantial reserves of tar sands are found in Canada and the United States,
while minor quantities are reported from Russia, China, Nigeria, and Romania. The
largest reserve of tar sand is located in Canada whose total amount of extractable oil
is estimated at 630 billion barrels (Ghorbani 2007a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h); this constitutes
about a quarter of the oil and tar present in tar sands globally.
The tar sand resources are presently extracted in Canada and China, dominantly
from surface reserves. However, the existing opencast technologies can be econom-
ically applied to a depth of 100 m, and for deeper reserves, underground techniques
need to be employed.
Advances have been made in the extraction and processing technologies of heavy
crude and its hydrocarbon derivatives. The modern method of steam-assisted gravity
drainage (SAGD) utilizes two horizontal shafts one above the other, the upper shaft
conducting steam which causes reduction of viscosity in heavy crude and tar thus
fluidizing it toward the lower shaft, where it is pumped up to the surface. The cost
of operations was about USD 7.5 per barrel of tar in the early 2000s (Ghorbani
2007a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h). This method is presently exploited at Athabaska, Canada,
where about 20,000 barrels of heavy crude are extracted. The overall production of
this type of resource does not seem to reach 500,000 barrels globally.
The cost of conversion of heavy crude to synthetic oil in the early 2000s was
estimated at USD 15–19 per barrel, thus making the total cost about USD 25
(Ghorbani 2007a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h). Considering the present day crude prices, extrac-
tion of tar sands is economically viable and growing demands for crude in the future
make tar sands a precious resource of energy in the years to come.
8.2.5 Kerogens
Argillaceous rocks containing comparatively heavy hydrocarbons called kerogens

were known to North American Indians since ancient times, and scientific investi-
gations on methods for their extraction and conversion to crude have been carried
out over the past century. Many advances have been made in the production of
(Iran and Germany joint seminar 1998) liquid and gaseous fuels from kerogens in
European countries such as Sweden, France, Spain, and Estonia, as well as South
Africa and China.
There are many types of kerogens, the premium type yielding about 130 l of
crude per ton of rock (Ghorbani 2007a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h). The extractable reserves
of kerogens are estimated at over 2,000 billion barrels (almost twice the proved
global crude oil reserves), most of which are located in the United States (Ghorbani
2007a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h). However, since kerogens have not been explored due to
their economic infeasibility, their probable reserves must be much higher than the
said estimates.
The usual mode of extraction is removal of argillaceous rocks from the mine and
separation of crude from them at a temperature of about 500°C. The extract con-
tains some amounts of nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur, thus increasing the cost of
production of crude taking into account environmental requirements. Moreover, the

water required for the process varies between 120 and 300 m3 per 100,000 barrels
whose disposal imposes extensive environmental problems (Ghorbani 2007a, b, c,
d, e, f, g, h). Recently, methods of extraction similar to that for sand tars have been
utilized which remove crude oil by underground heating of kerogens. However,
various issues such as high costs of extraction of kerogens as well as separation of
contaminants have posed a barrier to development of their usage.
8.2.6 Other Nonrenewable Resources
These include coal and uranium resources. The estimated global reserves of coal
stand at 948,453 million tons, which are dominantly located in the United States
(23%), Russia and CIS countries (23%), and China (11%).
The proved world reserves of uranium are estimated at 3.1 million tons, which is
equivalent to 1,367 billion barrels of crude if used in thermal reactors and equivalent
to 8,200 billion barrels of crude if used in breeder reactors.
Table 8.1 shows the reserves of various fossil fuels in different countries.
Oil and gas reserves within countries in the Middle East and North America have
significantly changed during 2003–2008 in such manner that the total oil reserve in
the Middle East reached up to 755 billion barrels and 70.94 billion barrels in North
America in 2008.
8.3 Fossil Fuel Reserves of Iran
8.3.1 Crude Oil
The first oil well of Iran hit oil in the year 1908 in the Naftoon oil field near
Masjid Soleiman. This well, which was dug using steam-driven percussion drilling
machinery, reached a depth of 360 m.
By the end of the year 2003, the total proved crude oil reserves of Iran was
estimated at 130.7 billion barrels constituting 11.4% of the total world reserves.
Accordingly, Iran ranks fifth in terms of proved reserves after Saudi Arabia, Iraq,
UAE, and Kuwait.
The total extractable crude oil and gas condensate reserves of Iran in the year
2004 stood at 132.74 billion barrels. Considering the same amount of extraction as
that of the year 2003, the reserves will last till 2030. According to official statistics
of the Energy Ministry, 82.2% of Iranian reserves lie onshore, while the rest 17.8%
are located offshore (Table 8.2).
Primary reserves: The amount of crude oil that can be produced using the reservoir
potentials without applying any augmentation methods is called primary reserve.
8.3 Fossil Fuel Reserves of Iran 337
Table 8.1 Proved reserves of crude oil, gas, and coal in different countries by the end of the
year 2003
Petroleum Gas Coal
Country Billion barrel Percent Trillion m3 Percent Million ton Percent
America
USA 30.7 2.7 5.23 3 24,994 25.4
Canada 16.9 1.5 1.66 0.9 6,578 0.7
Mexico 16 1.4 0.42 0.2 1,211 0.1
a
Venezuela 78 6.8 4.15 2.4 479
Argentina 3.2 0.3 0.66 0.4 – –
Ecuador 4.6 0.4 – – – –
Brazil 10.6 0.9 0.25 0.1 11,929 1.2
Peru 1 0.1 0.25 0.1 _ _
Columbia 1.5 0.1 0.11 0.1 6,648 0.7
Other countries 3.3 0.3 1.77 1 2,696 0.3
Europe and Eurasia
England 4.5 0.4 0.63 0.4 1,500 0.2
Italy 0.7 0.1 0.22 0.1 – –
Denmark 1.3 0.1 0.09 0.1 – –
Romania 0.9 0.1 0.31 0.2 1,457 0.1
Azerbaijan 7 0.6 1.37 0.8 – –
Uzbekistan 0.6 0.1 1.85 1.1 – –
a
Turkmenistan 0.5 2.9 1.6 – –
Russia 69.1 6 47 26.7 157,010 15.9
Kazakhstan 9 0.8 1.9 1.1 34,000 3.5
Norway 10.1 0.9 2.46 1.4 – –
Germany – – 0.21 0.1 66,000 6.7
Other countries 2.1 0.1 3.37 0.86 95,403 9.6
Middle East
UAE 97.8 8.5 6.06 3.4 – –
Iran 130.7 11.4 26.69 15.2 197.4 –
Syria 2.3 0.2 0.3 0.2 – –
Iraq 115 10 3.11 1.8 – –
Saudi Arabia 262.7 22.9 6.68 3.8 – –
Oman 5.6 0.5 0.95 0.5 – –
Qatar 15.2 1.3 25.77 14.7 – –
Kuwait 96.5 8.4 1.56 0.9 – –
Yemen 0.7 0.1 0.48 0.3 – –
a a
Other countries 0.1 0.14 – –
Africa
Angola 8.9 0.8 _ – – –
Algeria 11.3 1 4.52 2.6 – –
Libya 36 3.1 1.31 0.7 – –
Egypt 3.6 0.3 1.76 1 – –
Nigeria 34.3 3 5 2.8 – –
Other countries 7.6 0.7 1.19 0.7 – –
(continued)

Petroleum Gas Coal
3
Country Billion barrel Percent Trillion m Percent Million ton Percent
Asia and Oceania
Australia 4.4 0.4 2.55 1.4 82,090 8.3
Indonesia 4.4 0.4 2.56 1.5 5,370 0.5
Brunei 1.1 0.1 0.35 0.2 – –
Thailand 0.7 0.1 0.44 1 1,268 0.1
China 23.7 2.1 1.82 1.4 114,500 11.6
Malaysia 4 0.3 2.41 _ – –
Vietnam 2.5 0.2 – 0.5 150 –
India 5.6 0.5 0.85 1.4 84,396 8.6
Other countries 1.3 0.1 2 100 4,697 0.4
All of the world 1,147.7 100 175.78 984,453 100
Source: Energy Report (2003)
a
Reflects numbers less than 0.5
– Reflects numbers not available
Table 8.2 Liquid hydrocarbon reserves of Iran at the beginning of the year 2004
Extractable A total store

Location Mayadeen reservoir Preliminary Secondary Total
Aridity Petroleum 90.39 115.52 26.72 142.24
Gassy condenses 13.41 15.69 2.13 17.82
Total 103.8 131.21 28.85 160.06
Marine Petroleum 13.42 12.45 6.26 18.71
Gassy condenses 15.52 15.74 0.22 15.96
Total 28.94 28.19 6.48 34.67
Total Petroleum 103.81 127.97 32.98 160.59
Gassy condenses 28.93 31.43 2.35 33.78
Total 134.74 159.4 35.33 194.73
Secondary reserves: Continued production from oil fields gradually decreases the
reservoir pressure and consequently reducing the efficiency of the wells culminating
in drying up of the wells. To continue production, the reservoir pressure can be aug-
mented by various ways and the resultant crude is termed secondary reserve.
Iran has six onshore oil fields, which are located in Khuzestan, Bushehr, Eilam,
Fars, and Kohkiluye and Boirahmad. The last discovered oil field is Azadegan,
which is located in the Azadegan Plain, with an estimated reserve of about five
billion barrels (including gas condensate trapped in the caps). The Azadegan oil
field was discovered in the year 1999.
The offshore reserves of Iran lie in Khark, Lavan, Bahregan, and Siri Regions.
In addition to the above-mentioned independent oil fields, there are a number of
shared fields with the neighboring countries which are mostly offshore (Table 8.3).
Table 8.3 Shared (onshore and offshore) oil fields of Iran in the year 2003
Field name Neighboring country
On-shore
Dehloran Iraq
Paydar Ghard Iraq
Naft-shahr Iraq
Off-shore
Foroozan Saudi Arabia
Esfandyar Saudi Arabia
Salman Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
Mobarak Sharjah – United Arab Emirates
Nosrat Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
Farzam Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
Arash Kuwait
Southern Pars Oil-bearing Bed Qatar
Alborz Oil-bearing Block Republic of Azerbaijan
The oil resources of the Caspian Sea have been in the center of attention in the
recent years. The Caspian Sea Region is strategically important because it will
become one of the major oil- and gas-exporting regions of the world in the near
future. The probable in-place reserves of the southern Caspian are estimated at around
32.85 billion barrels.
Extraction of these reserves has been hampered by various technical and political
issues such as disagreement among the bordering countries of the Caspian Sea about
their share of different resources. Another difficulty is the depth of operation; all the
recognized structures, except Rudsar, are situated at a depth of 400–800 m below
the water level.
Khazar Oil and Gas Co. has carried out detailed exploration studies on the Iranian
part of Caspian to recognize probable productive structures. Table 8.4 lists the impor-
tant structures on the Iranian part of Caspian. Map 8.1 illustrates the geographic loca-
tion of various Iranian oil fields in the western and southern regions of the country.
8.3.2 Gas Condensates
In the lower parts of some independent gas fields where temperatures are higher
(around 150°C), heavier liquid hydrocarbons are vaporized to form gas. This gas is
immediately liquefied once it is extracted and cooled and is called gas condensate.
The condensate composition is near that of pure gasoline and is usually called
natural gasoline. If the condensate is accompanied by butane, propane, and ethane,
it is called natural gas liquid (NGL).
Generally speaking, the gas condensates are lightweight hydrocarbons that are
present in the expelled gases from the oil fields or independent gas fields. Expulsion
Table 8.4 Important geological structure on the southern Caspian Region

Depth (meter under Petroleum in
Square the sea surface) probable place Confine situation
1 (Alborz) 500 20,000 Shared with
Azerbaijan
Republic
29 (Chaloos) 800 3,000 17–22% of Caspian
sea waters
6 750 3,000 14%
24 (Noorvardian) 700 2,550 17%
23(Ramsar) 600 1,500 11%
8 550 1,400 Near to Iran beach
7 750 900 17%
18 (Roodsar) 80 500 Near to the beach
Total _ 32,850 _
from the reservoir, which causes a reduction in pressure and temperature of the gas,
results in the formation of gas condensates proportionate to the volume of the extruded
gas. Specifications of the gas condensates are very similar to that of crude oil.
The gas condensates from the oil fields are usually injected into the crude oil
before export. The daily gas condensate production of the country in the year 2003
was 155,300 barrels, 29% higher than the previous year.
8.3.3 Gas
Iran possesses the second largest gas reserves of the world after Russia. The amount
of gas reserves of the country at the end of the year 2003 stood at 26.69 trillion m3
as compared to the global reserves of 175.78 trillion, constituting 15.2% of the
world total.
The onshore gas reserves of Iran are about 12.3 trillion m3 (45.9%), while the
offshore extractable reserves stand at 14.39 trillion m3 (54.1%). Considering the
geological setting of the country, the discovery of new large reserves of oil and gas
cannot be ruled out. Table 8.5 demonstrates the amount of reserves in various natu-
ral gas fields of the country.
8.3.4 Coal
Systematic prospecting for coal in Iran began in the mid-1920s by German and Iranian
experts. However, the discovery of extensive reserves of oil and gas in the country
pushed coal production aside till the time of inception of steel industry and con-
struction of blast furnace which consumes large quantities of coal.
46° 48°
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Map 8.1 Geographic location of Iranian oil fields on the south and the west of the country
Coal production in Iran began in the year 1969 by a number of government

companies (subsidiaries of National Iranian Steel Co.). Considering the investiga-
tions carried out on coking coals and incomplete exploration of thermal coals of the
country, the official statistics for the coal reserves of the country has always been
subject to fluctuations. The latest figures (2003) put the overall reserves at 560 million
tons 44.7% of which are coking and the remaining 55.3% thermal variety.
Table 8.5 Natural gas fields of Iran

Square Location Extractable reservoir (billion m3)
Porch and inception Fars Province 563.1
Nar Bushehr Province 374.7
Kangan Bushehr Province 670.5
Sarajeh Ghom Province 6.96
Khangiran Khorasan Province 679.2
Gonbadeli Khorasan Province 1.8
Goorzin Hormozgan Province 26.2
Sarkhoon Hormozgan Province 242.2
Northern Pars Hormozgan Province 1,505
Southern Pars Hormozgan Province 7,929 (shared with Qatar)
Tabnak Fars-Bushehr and Hormozgan border 545 (million barrels of gas)
Lavan Hormozgan (marine) 176
Hengam Hormozgan (marine) Shared reservoir with Oman – doing
descriptive researches
Salman Hormozgan (marine) Shared reservoir with Abu Dhabi
Mobarak Hormozgan (marine) Shared reservoir with
Sharja – lack of capability
and development possibility
Persian Gulf Marine Shared reservoir with Arabia,
contract square exploration
The overall coal reserves of Iran (including proved, probable, and prospective)
amount to about 10,938.4 million tons, which is approximately 1.1% of the world
total. Major Iranian coalfields are located in Kerman, Naiband, Alborz, northeastern
Khorasan, Kashan, Isfahan, and Azerbaijan (Maragheh) (Table 8.6).
Table 8.7 shows the status of Iran from the point of view of fossilized fuel
reserves in the world.
8.4 Fossilized Fuel Production of Iran and the World
8.4.1 Crude Oil
The crude oil production of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Region and
of the world is presented in Table 8.8. The total crude oil production of the world in
the year 2003 stood at about 3,697 million tons, while the OPEC countries supplied
1,466.9 million tons (39.7%). Saudi Arabia constituted the highest share of the
global production (12.8%) followed by the United States (9.2%). Iran, UAE, and
Kuwait ranked next to Saudi Arabia in the Middle East with 5.1, 3.2, and 3% shares
of the global production, respectively.
Iran produced 190.1 million tons (5.1%) of crude oil in the year 2003, placing
fourth in the world ranking of oil producers.
8.4 Fossilized Fuel Production of Iran and the World 343
Table 8.6 Coal resources and reserves of Iran (million tons)

Definite Probable Possible Remain
Title reservoirs reservoirs reservoirs reservoirs
Kerman 206.1 106 1,125 1,437.1
Alborz Central 138.5 497 1,947 2,582.5
Alborz Eastern 17.8 101 145 263.8
Alborz Western 2 3 _ 5
Tabas 191 459 6,000 6,650
Total 555.4 1,166 9,217 10,938.4
Source: Energy Report (2003, 2006)
Table 8.7 Extractable fossilized fuel reserves of Iran as compared to the world (2006)
Reservoir Iran scantling
Type of fossil fuel Unit Iran The world through the world
Extractable petroleum Billion barrels 137.6 1,261 12.7
Extractable natural gas Trillion m3 29 185.02 15.1
Extractable coal Billion tons 10.9 826 1.1
Table 8.8 Crude oil production of MENA region and the world
Year
Country 2000 2001 2002 2003
Algeria 66.8 65.8 70.9 79
Egypt 38.8 37.7 37 36.8
Iran 189.4 184.6 168.8 190.1
Iraq 127.3 116.5 99.7 65.9
Kuwait 104 101.9 91.8 110.2
Libya 69.5 67 64.7 70
Oman 47.6 47.5 44.5 40.7
Qatar 38.7 38.4 35.1 41.2
Saudi Arabia 450.6 434.1 417.3 474.8
Syria 27.4 29 28.4 29.5
United Emirates 117.3 115.5 100.4 117.8
Yemen 21.3 22.3 21.8 21.4
The World 3,604.4 3,585.7 3,561.7 3,697
Among the above-mentioned countries, Iraq has shown significant progress
About 58% of the growing demand of the world for crude oil over the next 20 years
will be provided from the Persian Gulf Region. This is in spite of the fact that the share
of this region in the past 20 years has been only 17%. To maintain its position as the
second largest producer of crude among the OPEC countries, the Islamic Republic of
Iran must be able to cover about 12% of this growing demand, and this requires
special development strategies and investment for the oil sector of the country.
Table 8.9 Gas production of MENA region and the world in the years 2003 and 2008
The rate of production (billion m3)
Country 2003 2008
Russia 578.6 –
United States of America 549.5 –
Canada 180.5 –
England 102.7 –
Algeria 82.8 –
Iran 79 116.3
United Arabia Emirates 44.4 55.24
Bahrain 9.6 13.45
Syria 6.3 –
Saudi Arabia 61 78.1
Oman 16.5 24.05
Qatar 30.8 76.62
Kuwait 8.3 12.8
All of the world 2,618.5 3,065.58
8.4.2 Gas
In the year 2003, the total global production of natural gas stood at 2,618.5 billion m3,
the highest share of which was supplied by Russia and the United States with 22.1
and 21%, respectively. In Table 8.9, the major gas producers of the Middle East and
some of the world’s largest producers are listed.
With a production of 79 billion m3 (3% of the world total), Iran ranks first among
the Middle Eastern countries in terms of natural gas production. Globally, Iran ranks
sixth following Russia, the United States, Canada, Britain, and Algeria. This is,
however, not an optimum position taking into account the second rank of the coun-
try in terms of reserves.
8.4.3 Coal
The total global production of coal in the year 2003 amounted to 3,525.28 million
tons with China (1,183.3 million tons) and the United States (767.9 million tons)
occupying the first and second positions, respectively. According to official statis-
tics, Iran produced about 0.84 million tons in the said year contributing 0.02% to the
world production.
Table 8.10 demonstrates the status of Iran from the point of view of fossilized
fuel production in the world in the year 2003.
8.5 Fossilized Fuel Consumption in Iran and the World 345
Table 8.10 Fossilized fuel production in Iran as compared to the world in the year 2003
Reservoir Iran scantling in
Type of fossil fuel Unit Iran The world global production(%)
Simple oil Million tons 190.1 3,697 5.1
Natural gas Trillion m3 79 2,618.5 3
Coal Million tons 0.8 3,525.3 0.02
Table 8.11 Share of natural gas in providing the energy for various sectors of Iran during the
period 1996–2003
Illustration 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003
Indoor, commercial, 39.7 42.7 43.5 48.3 51 52.3 55.3 58.5
and public
Industry 45.4 42.8 39.4 48 47.1 44.6 45 47.4
Transportation – – – – 0.01 0.01 0.02 0.02
Powerhouses 55.1 60 70.7 70.3 70.8 69.8 71.5 74.9
Refineries 48.1 49.1 55 61.2 66.5 74.6 81.5 86.1
8.5 Fossilized Fuel Consumption in Iran and the World
The published figures indicate that the total world consumption of crude oil in the
year 2003 has been 3,636.6 million tons in which Iran had a share of 1.5% with 54
million tons. The annual consumption of petroleum products (liquefied gas, gaso-
line, kerosene, diesel fuel, and heating oil) in the country grew by 1.85% over the
period 1996–2003. Gasoline with 8.81% and kerosene with −4.16% had the highest
and lowest growth rates over the said period, respectively. The consumption of major
petroleum products amounted to 72,561 million liters in the year 2003, showing a
0.6% growth over the previous year. The highest share of consumption belonged to
gasoline and diesel fuel, while the lowest was that of liquefied gas.
Iran consumed 80.4 billion m3 of natural gas during the year 2003, which is 3.1%
of the world’s consumption. Table 8.11 illustrates the share of natural gas in various
sectors over the 1996–2003 period.
Global coal consumption in the year 2003 touched 3,560.16 million tons, 1.4
million tons (0.04%) of which was utilized in Iran. The largest consumers of coal in
the world are steel industry and thermal power station. Similarly, the Isfahan steel
plant was the largest consumer of coal in Iran in the year 2003 with 1,502,000 tons,
most of which was used for coke production. Imported coal constituted 59% of the
supply, while the remaining 41% was procured domestically.
Among other consumers of coking coal are ferroalloy, steel, forging, refractory,
sugar, battery, automobile, and railway industries.
8.5.1 Consumption Pattern
With growing consumption of oil and gas, crude export of the country has decreased.
While in the year 1918 over 69% of Iran’s crude production was exported, this
figure reduced to 57% in the year 1996, in spite of a 30-fold increase of production.
In other words, population growth has caused the domestic consumption of various
petroleum products to rise. Continuation of this trend will result in insufficiency of
the production to supply the domestic demands. It must be noted that a great part of
this demand is due to the per capita growth of consumption. The per capita con-
sumption of energy grew twofold over the period 1976–1996 to 10.3 barrels of
crude per year. The important point is that the growth has taken place mostly in the
nonproductive sectors, causing a drop in the GDP per capita from Rls. 333,870 in
1976 to Rls. 247,320 in 1996. Household and business sectors constituted for 37.9%
of the energy consumed.
Iran had a capacity to produce about 4 million barrels of crude, refine 1,347,000
barrels, and produce 311.78 million m3 of gas per day. To achieve sustained growth,
the said capacities must increase, and the present reserves must be developed.
Moreover, investment in the developing sectors such as oil- and gas-processing
industry and a change in the present consumption pattern are a necessity, which can
be achieved by strategic planning to divert energy consumption from nonproductive
sectors toward productive sectors and optimal utilization of energy to promote
industry.
8.6 Global Status of Iran in Terms of Energy Resources
Fortunately, Iran is among the richest countries of the world in terms of oil and gas
reserves. Five Middle Eastern countries, namely, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait,
and UAE, together boast of a crude reserve of 702.7 billion barrels, constituting
61.2% of the world total.
The important point is that despite the fact that the crude reserves of Iran at the
same level as Iraq, Kuwait, and UAE, the population of the country is many times
more than their total populations and as a result the per capita reserve of the country
is much less comparatively. Table 8.12 compares the status of Iran in terms of the
energy resources with the world.
8.7 Nuclear Energy in Iran and the World
In today’s industrial world where the scientific and technical advancement of every
country is considered as an index of development and social welfare, nuclear techno-
logy has a significant importance. Utilization of nuclear science in industry, medicine,
agriculture, and other fields indicates how it has affected the human society.
Table 8.12 Fossilized fuel energy resources of Iran as compared to the world in the year 2003
Simple oil
Iran World
Reservoirs Production Exports Imports Reservoirs Production Exports Imports
(billion barrel) (billion ton) (billion ton) (million ton) (billion barrel) (million ton) (million ton) (million ton)
130.7 190.1 136.1 – 1,147.7 3,697 1,770 1,770
8.7 Nuclear Energy in Iran and the World
Natural gas
Iran World
(trillion m3) (billion m3) (billion m3) (billion m3) (trillion m3) (billion m3) (billion m3) (billion m3)
26.69 79 3.52 4.92 175.78 2,618.5 454.87 454.87
Coal
Iran World
(million ton) (million ton) (million ton) (million ton) (million ton) (million ton) (million ton) (million ton)
10,938 0.8 0.03 0.59 984,453 3,525.3 661.26 666.46
347
Table 8.13 Uranium ores The name of the country Reservoirs

that can be produced at less
than USD 130 per kilogram Canada 333,834
United States of America 345,000
Nigeria 102,227
Namibia 170,532
Australia 73,500
Iran 370?
South Africa 315,330
Russia 143,020
Kazakhstan 530,460
All of the world 3,169,238
Nuclear energy is the most important source of energy after oil and gas and is
utilized more in advanced countries to produce electricity.
The proved global reserves of uranium are estimated at 3.1 million tons, which
equals 8,200 billion barrels of crude oil is used in breeder reactors.
Table 8.13 depicts the uranium reserves of some countries and the world that can
be produced at less than USD 130 kg−1.
The global share of nuclear power stations in producing electricity is about 17%
(2,535 billion kWh), which is supplied by over 438 plants.
Since the inception of the Iran Atomic Energy Organization in the year 1974, all
the activities have concentrated on the establishment of nuclear reactors. A number
of contracts were signed before the victory of the Islamic revolution in the year
1979, which were subsequently canceled.
In order to save the nonrenewable energy resources of the country and diversify
the power generation trend, the government approved plans to produce 10–20%
of the energy by nonconventional (mainly nuclear) methods in the year 1982.
Presently, phase I of Bushehr nuclear reactor with a capacity of 1,000 MW is being
constructed.
The proved reserves of uranium in Iran are about 3,600 tons, while the probable
reserves are estimated at about 20,000 tons. About 400 tons of enriched uranium
can be produced from 2,500 tons of uranium ore, and this can supply Bushehr
nuclear reactor with the capacity of 1,000 MW for 17 years.
8.8 Renewable Energy Resources of Iran
All the renewable energy resources of Iran are under the supervision of Renewable
Energy Organization of Iran (REOI), a subsidiary of Energy Ministry. REOI closely
works with other institutions like Iran Atomic Energy Organization and International
Energy Institute. The renewable energy resources of the country are briefly described
in the following paragraphs.
The Presence of the Caspian Sea to the north whose level is about 28 m below
the global mean sea level, Alborz Mountains on its southern shore with heights of
8.8 Renewable Energy Resources of Iran 349
Table 8.14 Nominal capacity and actual production of operational hydroelectric plant of Iran
Powerhouse name Province Year of inception Capacity (MW)
Big powerhouses
Amirkabir Tehran 1961 91
Doz Khoozestan 1962–1971 520
Sefidrood Gilan 1964 87.5
Latian Tehran 1969–1987 45
Zayanderood Esfahan 1970 55.5
Aras Eastern Azerbaijan 1971 22
Shahid Abbaspoor Khoozestan 1977–2003 2,000
AbiKalan Tehran 1988 115.5
Giroft Kerman 1988 30
Soleiman Mosque Khoozestan 2002–2003 1,000
Karkheh Khoozestan 2002–2003 399
Moghan Western Azerbaijan 2002 13
Subtotal 4,378.5
Small powerhouses
Mahabad Western Azerbaijan 1972 6
Doroodzan Fars 1989 10
Forghan Central 1996 10.4
Asiabak Central 1997 5.2
Jannat Roodbar Mazandaran 1996 1
Sar Rood Khorasan 1987 0.065
Ardeh Gilan 1991 0.125
Shahid Talebi Fars 1994 2.25
Gamasyab Hamedan 1999 2.8
Dare Takhte 2 Lorestan 2001 0.9
Karnogh Ardebil 2002 0.05
Yasooj 7 (Karik1) Kohkilooye va boyr Ahmad 1994 2.5
Pol Kaloo 1 Kohkilooye va boyr Ahmad 2004 4
Subtotal 45.29
Total 4,423.79
over 5,000 m, and open sea on the southern border, there is considerable elevation
difference within the country. Considering the average annual rainfall of the
country, which is around 250 mm (1,500 mm at Bandar Anzali and 50 mm at Yazd),
the potentials for utilization of hydroelectric power are substantial.
The first hydroelectric power plant of the country was established in Hamedan in
the year 1929 with two power generators. Later on, the Shushtar hydel plant with
a capacity of 1,000 kW became operational. The first major hydel power plant
of the country was constructed at Karaj near Tehran in the year 1961, producing
150 MW. The Shahid Abbaspour plant with a capacity of 2,000 MW is the largest
hydroelectric project of the country at present, but the Karoon III plant (3,000 MW)
will come into production in the near future. Table 8.14 lists the various operational
hydroelectric power plants of the country.
8.8.1 Hydroelectric Energy
The overall hydroelectric potential of the country is estimated at 50 billion kWh per
annum. Karoon River alone can produce 30 billion kWh of electricity annually,
while Dez River, Karkheh River, and others can produce 9, 6, and 5 billion kWh per
annum, respectively. The hydroelectric projects of the country can be categorized
into three groups:
1. Under-Construction Projects: Masjid Soleiman, Karkheh, Karoon III, Karoon
IV, Seymareh, Gatvand, Roodbar (Lorestan), and Siyah Bisheh
2. Investigation Projects: Twenty-two projects of over 100 MW capacity were
under investigation in the year 2003 and were to start in three phases.
3. Small- and Medium-Sized Projects: There are a number of projects which will
come into operations in the next 10 years mostly situated in the southwest of the
country.
8.8.2 Solar Energy
No doubt, sun is the largest energy resource for the earth. Solar energy in the equa-
torial region up to the 40° north and south latitudes is suitable for producing elec-
tricity. Considering the large areal extent of Iran and its geographic position (between
25° and 40° N), setting up of solar power plants in many regions is feasible.
The average solar energy reception of the country is 5 kWh/m2/day or 1,825 kWh/
2
m /year. Thus, the total annual solar energy reception of the country amounts to
3 × 1015 kWh/year, which is about 100 times the total oil and gas reserves of the
country. Results of investigations indicate that suitable provinces for solar energy
installations are Kerman, Sistan, and Yazd.
The first solar power plant of the country came into operation at Shiraz in the
year 1996. The plant, which utilizes 48 solar collectors, produces 250 kW of
electricity. In addition, a number of experimental small household solar power
projects have been incepted in Yazd Province.
8.8.3 Wind Energy
The geographic position of Iran, which is a low-pressure region bordering the high-
pressure areas to the north and northwest, causes winds to blow during summer and
winter. During summer, the moist winds of Atlantic that blow from the northwest and
the monsoonal winds of the Indian Ocean from the southeast affect Iran. In winter, the
lowering of the pressure over Iran causes the cold winds of Central Asia and the moist
winds of Atlantic and Mediterranean pass over Iran. The well-known winds of Iran
are the Siyah wind of Eastern Iran, northern wind on the shores of the Persian Gulf,
Table 8.15 Investigative, planned, and operational projects to utilize wind energy in Iran
Capability of annual
Geographical Inception energy production
Project name location year (million kWh)
Ministry of Energy
600 kW turbine Gilan-Manjil 1376 2
10 kW turbine Eastern Azerbaijan- Esko 1376 0.025
Taking information Gilan, Eastern, 1379 _
from wind statistics Western Azerbaijan
record stations Ardebil
600 kW turbine Gilan and Eastern 1382 _
optimization Azerbaijan
Supply the Atlantic All over 1382 _
country wind the country
Binalood windy powerhouse Khorasan 1380 102
Atomic Energy Organization
Plan establishment of 1 MW Gilan (Manjil 1373 4
windy electricity turbine and Roodbar)
Plan establishment of 10 MW Gilan (Manjil, Roodbar, 1375 04-Mar
windy electricity turbine and Harzvil)
Plan establishment of 90 MW Gilan 1378–1379 90–240
windy electricity turbine
Calculating of country wind _ 1368 _
potential
the Khoshabad wind of Gogan Plain, the Diz wind between Mashhad and Neishabour,
and the Sam wind of Khuzestan.
In order to develop, promote, plan, control, and manage various projects to uti-
lize the potentials of wind energy in the country, the Energy Ministry has set up a
number of recording sites to register the wind date and investigate the feasibility of
wind energy farms. Accordingly, a wind farm was set up by the ministry in collabo-
ration with the Iran Atomic Energy Organization at Roodbar and Manjil in the year
2001 with a capacity of 1 MW. There have been proposals to establish a number of
wind farms totaling 100 MW capacity within the framework of the Second Five-
Year Development Program (Table 8.15).
8.8.4 Geothermal Energy
Decay of radioactive material, molten core of the earth, orogeny, and overburden
pressure of sedimentary basins are the sources of geothermal energy within the
earth’s crust. The resulting heat is transferred through convective currents to the
surface where it dissipates through surface waters and atmosphere.
The location of geothermal reservoirs usually coincides with that of young active
volcanoes. Taking into account the passage of parts of global volcanic belt through
Iran, there is a vast potential of utilization of this type of energy in the country.
Quaternary volcanoes are present in the north, northwest, southeast, and central
Iran, while active faults as well as hot springs are seen throughout the country.
According to studies carried out by the Energy Ministry, Iran has a potential of
600 GJ of directly extractable energy.
The first geothermal study was carried out by an Italian company under the
supervision of the Energy Ministry during the 1975–1979 period. After a period of
inactivity, the work restarted in the year 1995 when a number of wells were drilled
around Meshkin Shahr in Azerbaijan. According to a priority plan set out by the
Energy Ministry, areas around Mount Sabalan, Mount Damavand, Makoo-Khoi,
and Mount Sahand have been given 1–4 priorities for production of geothermal
energy.
Mount Sabalan: Meshkin Shahr, Borjloo, and Sarein are located in this region with
a thermal reserve of 19.2×1018 J. The first two have been chosen for producing elec-
tricity, while the third is proposed for direct use of geothermal energy. The progress
made till the end of the year 2000 includes prospecting, topographic mapping,
geothermal anomaly mapping, geophysical profiling, detailed geological survey and
3-D modeling of geothermal reservoir at Meshkin Shahr, drilling site planning,
and international tender to choose the contractors.
Mount Damavand: Situated near Tehran, the thermal energy potential of this area is
estimated at 5.11 × 1018 J. The area is proposed for electricity production as well as
direct use of the geothermal energy.
Makoo-Khoi Region: Situated on the northwestern borders of Iran with Turkey, the
area has a thermal potential of 40 × 1018 J. Since Makoo-Khoi is one of the cold
agricultural areas of the country, direct utilization of the geothermal energy avail-
able can help heating up of the farm houses and agro-industries.
Mount Sahand: Covering lands of about 11,000 km2 around the extinct quaternary
volcano between Tabriz and Maragheh cities, the area has 23 × 1018 J geothermal
energy potential that can be extracted both directly and indirectly.
Meshkin Shahr Geothermal Power Plant: The most important geothermal power
project of the country is being worked out at Meshkin Shahr, where over 10,000 m
of explorative drilling has been carried out to test the feasibility of the geothermal
potential of the area.
The results obtained indicate the presence of a geothermal reservoir measuring
5 km2 and having a temperature of 245°C. This reservoir is capable of supplying a
60 MW power plant at Meshkin Shahr. Surface surveys further prove the presence
of additional reservoirs outside the drilled region that can further increase the power
potentials by another 200 MW.
The exploration drilling at Sabalan is the first such experiment in the Middle East,
putting Iran among the 22 countries that utilize geothermal power for the production of
electricity.
8.8.5 Tidal Energy
The Renewable Energy Organization of Iran currently has two experimental projects
to produce electricity from tidal waves at Chabahar (Oman Sea) and Kish Island
(Persian Gulf).
The most suitable place for installing tidal energy plants is the Strait of Hormuz
(the Persian Gulf outlet), where about 500 km3 of water passes through the 50-km-wide
strait at the time of tides. However, considering the volume of traffic and the high
cost of construction, there is no scope of utilization of this energy in the foreseeable
future.
Chapter 9
List of Mineral Deposits and Indications
of Iran
Abstract This chapter provides a long list of all known mineral deposits and
indications in Iran with geographic coordination, size, host rock, age, genetic
and mineralization, associated orogenic phase, deposit shape or morphology and
paragenesis.
9.1 Introduction
It is attempted herein to present a complete list of mineral deposits and indications

identified in Iran till date along with their geologic and metallogenic specifications
such as size, host rock, surrounding rock, shape, and orogenic phase in which
mineralization occurred.
When reviewing information within these tables, two points need to be taken into
consideration:
1. Geographic coordinates of some of the deposits and indications cited in these
tables have been derived from geological maps with scales of 1:100, 000 and
1:250, 000, and therefore they might not exactly match the present day GPS
readings of the very same mineral deposit or indication. The reason is very clear;
back in the days when such information were gathered, use of GPS was
not common.
2. The findings and facts on economic geology and metallogeny of these mineral
deposits and indications (on the genesis of deposits in particular) presented in
these tables are the results of studies and field visits by the author and therefore
could not be specifically referenced to in these tables. The documentation of the
literature, if any, is listed among the references at the end of the book.

356
Complete list of iron mineral deposits and indications of Iran along with their detailed specifications
Lat Long Genetic/ Orogenic
No. Name D° M S″ D° M S″ Size Host rock/age mineralization phases Morphology Elem para
1 Farur 26 17 27 54 31 12 Sa Volcanic rocks and limestone/Upper Volcanosedimentary Pan-African Stratiformbed
Precambrian–Lower Cambrian
2 Gheshm 26 56 44 56 3 9 S Volcanic rocks and limestone/Upper Volcanosedimentary Pan-African Stratiformbed
3 Hengam 26 39 49 55 53 7 S Volcanic rocks and limestone/Upper Volcanosedimentary Pan-African Stratiformbed
4 Lark 26 52 22 56 22 18 S Volcanic rocks and limestone/Upper Volcanosedimentary Pan-African Stratiformbed
5 Ak Kahour 27 40 55 55 38 14 S Marl, dolomite, gypsum, sandstone, Sedimentary Laramide– Stratiformbed
conglomerate, shale, and carbonate Pyrenean to lens
and silicate layers bearing iron/
Cretaceous–Paleocene
6 Ardan 27 40 0 55 26 0 S Rhyolite, tuff, and dolomite/Upper Volcanosedimentary Pan-African Stratiformbed
7 East of Jiroft fault 27 15 32 57 59 46 Ia Ophiolite complex/upper Cretaceous Unknown Laramide Unknown
8 Hormoz 27 4 22 56 28 23 S Volcanic rocks and limestone/Upper Volcanosedimentary Pan-African Stratiformbed
9 Soleymani 27 49 54 57 44 4 I Diorite, monzonite, and syenite/ Unknown Unknown Unknown
monzonite
10 Tange Zagh 28 3 52 55 58 37 S Volcanic rocks, dolomite, and Volcanosedimentary Pan-African Stratiformbed
limestone/Upper Precambrian–
Lower Cambrian
11 Gol gohar 29 5 0 55 20 0 La Schist and gneiss/Upper Metasomatic Pan-African Massive, lens
12 Shateri 29 44 17 60 7 7 I Diorite, monzonite, and syenite/ Unknown Unknown Unknown
unknown
13 Charvak 30 24 0 56 32 0 I Limestone and dolomite/Lower Unknown Unknown Unknown
Cretaceous
9 List of Mineral Deposits and Indications of Iran
14 Mohammad Abad 30 22 4 60 6 1 I Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown

15 Anomaly No.X 31 52 46 55 41 41 I Sandstone and shale/Paleozoic Unknown Unknown Unknown
9.1
16 Anomaly No.I A 31 46 6 55 26 12 I Volcanosedimentary rocks/Upper Volcanic Pan-African Stratiformbed

Precambrian
17 Anomaly No.I B 31 43 36 55 27 38 S Volcanics/Precambrian Volcanic Pan-African Unknown
18 Anomaly No.I D 31 41 38 55 29 12 I Volcanics/Precambrian Volcanic Pan-African Lens
19 Anomaly No.II A 31 38 16 55 28 55 I Volcanics/Precambrian Volcanic Pan-African Unknown
Introduction
20 Anomaly No.II B 31 38 0 55 30 41 I Metamorphic and metasomatic rocks/ Magmatic–metamorphic Pan-African Unknown

Precambrian
21 Anomaly No.II C 31 36 43 55 32 40 I Metamorphic and metasomatic rocks/ Magmatic–metamorphic Pan-African Unknown
Precambrian
22 Anomaly No.III 31 32 20 55 27 53 I Metamorphic and metasomatic rocks/ Magmatic–metamorphic Unknown Unknown
Precambrian
23 Anomaly No.IV 31 55 58 55 36 40 I Metamorphic and metasomatic rocks/ Magmatic–metamorphic Pan-African Unknown
Precambrian
24 Anomaly No.V B 31 45 21 55 55 44 I Sandstone and shale/Paleozoic Unknown Unknown Unknown
25 Anomaly No.V C 31 42 53 55 59 17 I Sandstone and shale/Paleozoic Unknown Unknown Unknown
26 Anomaly No.VIII 31 45 5 55 34 5 M Granite, volcanics, and sandstone/ Magmatic Pan-African Unknown
Upper Precambrian–Lower
Cambrian
27 Anomaly No.XI 31 54 19 55 43 12 I Sandstone and shale/Paleozoic Unknown Unknown Unknown
28 Anomaly XIIA 31 52 30 55 36 36 M Volcano–sedimentary rocks/ Volcanosedimentary Pan-African Stratiformbed
Precambrian–Cambrian and metasomatic to lens
29 Anomaly No.XII B 31 53 1 55 29 5 I Diorite and gabbro diorite/ Magmatic Pan-African Unknown
Precambrian–Cambrian
30 Anomaly No.XIII A 31 59 27 55 53 28 I Porphyry granite/Upper Precambrian Magmatic Pan-African Unknown
31 Anomaly No.XV 31 57 2 55 19 1 I Gabbro, pyroxenite, marble, and Magmatic Pan-African Disseminated
diorite/Precambrian
32 Cheshmeh firuz 31 52 30 55 36 36 I Acidic to intermediate volcanics and Volcanosedimentary Pan-African Lens, vein
dolomite/Upper Precambrian–
Lower Cambrian
(continued)
357
(continued)
358

33 Choghart 31 45 0 55 30 0 L Alkali granite, volcanics, sandstone, Magmatic Pan-African Massive
and schist/Upper Precambrian–
Lower Cambrian
34 East of Bafgh 31 51 9 55 54 47 I Alkali granite, acidic volcanics, Magmatic Pan-African Massive
dolomite, and limestone/Upper
35 Esfordi 31 47 19 55 38 19 M Alkali granite, acidic volcanics, Magmatic Pan-African Massive
36 Heneshg 31 51 0 53 17 0 S Sandstone and shale/upper Volcanosedimentary Hercynian Stratiformbed Mn
Paleozoic–Lower Triassic
37 Lakkeh siah 31 47 3 55 42 7 S Alkali granite, acidic volcanics, Unknown Unknown Unknown
38 Mishdovan 31 50 48 55 31 12 M Alkali granite, volcanics, and Magmatic Pan-African Massive
sandstone/Upper Precambrian–
Lower Cambrian
39 Mobarakeh 31 37 13 55 32 9 I Metamorphic rocks/Precambrian Unknown Pan-African Unknown
40 Nargun 31 43 18 55 43 34 I Alkali granite, acidic volcanics, Magmatic Pan-African Massive
41 Narigan 31 43 4 55 41 2 S Volcanics and sandstone/Upper Volcanosedimentary Pan-African Massive Mn
42 NO.XL 31 35 33 56 25 42 I Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown
43 No.XXXV 31 31 23 56 24 36 I Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown
44 No.XXXVI 31 32 42 56 22 29 I Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown
45 No.XXXVII 31 27 8 56 22 53 I Sandstone and shale/Jurassic Unknown Unknown Unknown
46 No.XXXVII I 31 28 36 56 16 34 I Sandstone and shale/Jurassic Unknown Unknown Unknown
47 No.XXXVIX 31 34 43 56 19 36 I Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown

48 North of Sechangi 1 31 52 36 55 40 45 I Sandstone and shale/Paleozoic Unknown Unknown Unknown
9.1
49 North of Sechangi 2 31 52 26 55 43 4 I Sandstone and shale/Paleozoic Unknown Unknown Unknown

50 Sechahun 31 53 0 55 42 0 M Diorite, volcanosedimentary/Upper Volcanosedimentary Pan-African Massive
51 Sheytoor 31 39 6 57 57 5 I Sandstone and shale/Upper Paleozoic Unknown Unknown Unknown
52 Sorkh-e-Nadoushan 31 46 7 53 37 7 S Tuff and andesite/Eocene; limestone Hydrothermal Pyrenean Unknown
Introduction
and dolomite/Cretaceous
53 Zarand (Jalal Abad) 31 0 57 56 25 8 I Volcanosedimentary/Upper Volcanosedimentary Pan-African Lens
54 Anjireh 32 3 35 54 41 3 I Phyllite and schist/ Unknown Unknown Unknown
Jurassic–Cretaceous
55 Anomaly No.XVI A 32 5 3 55 17 3 I Covered with Tertiary and Quaternary Magmatic Pan-African Disseminated
alluvium
56 Anomaly No.XVI B 32 7 0 55 15 0 I Unknown Magmatic Pan-African Disseminated
57 Anomaly No.XVI C 32 10 5 55 13 5 I Unknown Magmatic Pan-African Disseminated
58 Anomaly No.XXIV A 32 24 58 55 1 55 I Granitoid/Upper Precambrian–Lower Magmatic Pan-African Unknown
Cambrian
59 Anomaly No.XXIV B 32 21 59 55 3 43 I Granitoid/Upper Precambrian–Lower Magmatic Pan-African Unknown
Cambrian
60 Anomaly No.VIII B 32 3 21 55 30 0 I Granitoid/Upper Precambrian–Lower Magmatic Pan-African Unknown
Cambrian
61 Anomaly No.VIII C 32 1 58 55 32 0 I Granitoid/Upper Precambrian–Lower Magmatic Pan-African Unknown
Cambrian
62 Anomaly No.XIII B 32 3 5 55 29 3 I Porphyry granite/Upper Precambrian Magmatic Pan-African Lens
63 Anomaly No.XIII C 32 2 2 55 31 4 I Porphyry granite/Upper Precambrian Magmatic Pan-African Disseminated
64 Anomaly No.XIV B 32 9 5 55 28 7 I Granitoid/Proterozoic; shale and Magmatic Pan-African Unknown
sandstone/Paleozoic
65 Anomaly No.XIV C 32 9 3 55 25 2 I Volcanic rocks and limestone/ Magmatic Pan-African Disseminated
Cretaceous
66 Anomaly No.XIV D 32 7 8 55 31 7 I Gabbro and volcanosedimentary/ Magmatic Pan-African Disseminated
Proterozoic
(continued)
359
(continued)
360

67 Anomaly No.XIX A 32 20 17 55 13 42 I Volcanosedimentary rocks/ Volcanosedimentary Pan-African Unknown
Precambrian
68 Anomaly No.XIX B 32 18 23 55 13 39 I Covered with shale, sandstone, and Magmatic Pan-African Unknown
limestone/Paleozoic
69 Anomaly No.XIX C, 32 14 8 55 16 0 I Shale, sandstone, and limestone/ Volcanosedimentary Pan-African Unknown
D Paleozoic
70 Anomaly No.XVI A 32 5 3 55 17 3 l Gabbro, diorite, schist and Magmatic Pan-African Disseminated
amphibolite/Precambrian
71 Anomaly No.XVII A 32 13 0 55 24 0 I Schist, amphibolite, and granite/ Skarn Pan-African Lens
Precambrian
72 Anomaly No.XVII B 32 13 2 55 28 5 I Granite, schist, and amphibolite/ Skarn Pan-African Lens
Cambrian
73 Anomaly No.XVII C 32 11 3 55 27 8 I Gnisse, schist, volcanosedimentary Magmatic Pan-African Lens
rocks, and granite/Upper
Precambrian– Lower Cambrian
74 Anomaly No.XVII D 32 11 1 55 30 8 I Gnisse, schist, volcanosedimentary Magmatic Pan-African Disseminated
rocks, and granite/Upper
Precambrian– Lower Cambrian
75 Anomaly No.XVIII B 32 15 3 55 29 8 I Granite, schist, and amphibolite/ Magmatic Pan-African Unknown
Cambrian
76 Anomaly No.XVIII C 32 15 0 55 45 2 I Limestone and sandstone/Jurassic; Unknown Unknown Unknown
sandstone and limestone/Upper
Cambrian
77 Anomaly No.XX 32 31 13 55 36 4 I Granitoid and schist/Upper Magmatic Pan-African Unknown
(Saghand) A Precambrian–Lower Cambrian
78 Anomaly No.XxB 32 30 8 55 37 37 I Granitoid and schist/Upper Volcanosedimentary Pan-African Unknown
79 Anomaly No.XX C 32 30 8 55 45 5 I Limestone and dolomite/Cretaceous Unknown Unknown Unknown

80 Anomaly No.XXI A 32 38 55 55 41 38 I Unknown Magmatic Pan-African Unknown
9.1
81 Anomaly No.XXI B 32 41 46 55 41 6 I Unknown Magmatic Pan-African Unknown

82 Anomaly No.XXI C 32 34 34 55 42 32 I Unknown Magmatic Pan-African Unknown
83 Anomaly No.XXII A 32 36 9 55 32 4 I Schist and amphibolite/Upper Volcanosedimentary Pan-African Unknown
Introduction
84 Anomaly No.XXII B 32 36 12 55 33 39 I Schist and Amphibolite/Upper Volcanosedimentary Pan-African Unknown

85 Anomaly No. XXIII A 32 40 0 55 27 6 I Schist and amphibolite/Upper Volcanosedimentary Pan-African Unknown
86 Anomaly No.XXIII B 32 40 25 55 33 7 I Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown
87 Anomaly No.XXIV C 32 26 1 55 1 1 I Granitoid/Upper Precambrian–Lower Magmatic Pan-African Unknown
Cambrian
88 Anomaly No.XXIX 32 20 9 55 22 6 I Granite, schist, amphibolite, and Magmatic Pan-African Disseminated
volcanosedimentary rocks/Upper
89 Anomaly No.XXVI 32 44 21 55 29 46 I Schist and amphibolite/Upper Volcanosedimentary Pan-African Unknown
90 Anomaly No.XXVI 32 56 44 55 37 26 I Granite and syenite/Paleozoic, Schist Pan-African Disseminated
and amphibolite/Upper
91 Anomaly No.XXX 32 27 53 55 23 14 I Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown
92 Anomaly No.XXXII 32 41 7 55 15 27 I Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown
93 Chador malu 32 17 0 55 32 0 L Alkali granite, acidic to intermediate Magmatic Pan-African Massive
volcanics, and metamorphics
(greenstone, mica-schist, marble)/
Cambrian
94 Chah Basheh 32 28 0 53 17 30 I Tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Unknown
95 Chah gaz 32 8 0 55 29 0 L Granite, andesite, and dacite/Upper Magmatic Pan-African Massive
96 Chah Jamal 32 20 43 55 12 2 I Schist and gneiss/Mesozoic Hydrothermal Pyrenean Unknown
(Iron and Alum)
361
(continued)
(continued)
362

97 Chah Komu 32 53 2 52 36 2 I Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown
98 Chapduni 32 50 40 55 13 24 I Schist and amphibolite/Upper Volcanosedimentary Pan-African Unknown
99 Dig-e-dam Khomar 32 15 7 55 8 22 I Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown
100 Diposit No.XVII I 32 18 30 55 45 2 I Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown
101 Dureh 1 32 19 30 60 29 55 I Diorite, syenite/Tertiary Magmatic Pyrenean Unknown
102 Dureh 2 32 18 45 60 30 50 I Diorite, syenite/Tertiary Magmatic Pyrenean Unknown
103 Dureh(1) 32 18 45 60 30 5 I Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown
104 Dureh(2) 32 18 45 60 30 0 I Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown
105 Duzakh darreh 32 23 0 55 32 0 I Granitoid, volcanic, dolomite/Upper Magmatic Pan-African Unknown
106 Fakhrabad (Red soil) 32 16 48 55 1 15 I Granodiorite/Tertiary Hydrothermal Pyrenean Unknown
107 Gazik 1 32 17 55 60 30 33 I Diorite, syenite/Tertiary gabbro and Hydrothermal Pyrenean Unknown
diorite/Mesozoic
108 Golmandeh 32 40 11 55 27 38 I Schist and amphibolite/Upper Volcanosedimentary Pan-African Unknown
109 Haft tal (1) 32 22 30 53 52 33 I Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown
113 Jadeh sorkhu 32 24 37 55 9 24 I Granodiorite and andesite/Tertiary Hydrothermal Pyrenean Unknown
114 Jahan Shir 32 47 44 55 38 53 I Limestone, shale, and sandstone/ Unknown Unknown Unknown
Triassic
115 Khak-e-sorkhe sadr 32 56 27 53 55 50 I Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown
Abad
116 Khoshumi (Iron and 32 23 20 55 11 3 I Schist and gneiss/Mesozoic Hydrothermal Pyrenean Unknown
Alum)
117 Khoshumi (Pyrite) 32 23 54 55 11 3 I Schist and gneiss/Mesozoic Hydrothermal Pyrenean Unknown

118 Kuh-e-Dozardalou 1 32 30 55 55 30 31 I Schist and amphibolite/Upper Volcanosedimentary Pan-African Unknown
9.1
119 Kuh-e-Dozardalou 2 32 30 0 55 41 49 I Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown
120 Kuh-e-Mayoon 32 13 21 55 25 49 I Granite, schist, and amphibolite/ Volcanic Pan-African Unknown
Cambrian
Introduction
121 Metamorphic Pyrite 32 30 33 55 10 43 I Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown

122 Moghestan 32 0 40 55 9 49 I Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown
123 Nadushan 32 0 59 53 28 13 I Andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Unknown
124 Neybaz 32 30 33 55 10 43 I Granite, schist, and amphibolite/ Volcanic Pan-African Unknown
Cambrian
125 North of Allah Abad 32 46 41 55 19 0 I Schist and amphibolite/Upper Volcanosedimentary Pan-African Unknown
126 North of Allah abad 32 46 41 55 19 0 I Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown
127 Poshteh sorkh (Alum) 32 19 48 55 24 51 I Granite and schist/Upper Volcanosedimentary Pan-African Unknown
128 Poshteh sorkh (Pyrite) 32 19 48 55 25 50 I Granite and schist/Upper Volcanosedimentary Pan-African Unknown
129 Rig dam khomar 32 15 7 55 8 22 I Sedimentary rocks/Paleozoic Unknown Unknown Unknown
130 Senjed Abad 32 2 7 54 42 9 I Metamorphic rocks/ Unknown Unknown Unknown
131 Tigh Noab (1) 32 5 50 60 33 10 I Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown
132 Tigh Noab (2) 32 6 0 60 23 0 I Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown
133 Tigh Now Ab 1 32 6 0 60 23 0 I Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown
134 Tigh Now Ab 2 32 6 29 60 34 28 I Gabbro and diorite/Mesozoic Hydrothermal Unknown Unknown
135 Zaj Poshteh 32 21 8 55 24 0 I Granite, schist, and amphibolite/ Volcanic Pan-African Unknown
Cambrian
136 Zaman abad 32 40 18 55 27 43 I Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown
137 Ali Abad 33 1 24 60 27 25 I Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown
(continued)
363
(continued)
364

138 Boshruyeh 1 33 22 11 57 21 14 I Shale, sandstone, and limestone/ Unknown Unknown Unknown
Upper Paleozoic
139 Boshruyeh 2 33 41 21 57 5 16 I Shale, sandstone, and limestone/ Unknown Unknown Unknown
Upper Paleozoic
140 Buteh Alam 33 34 29 53 45 53 S Terrigenous carbonate rocks/Triassic Hydrothermal Unknown Vein
141 Chah Ali Khan 33 43 26 52 59 11 I Andesite/Upper Eocene; tuff/ Hydrothermal Pyrenean Unknown
Middle–Upper Eocene
142 Chah Sefid 33 40 1 53 27 48 S Quartz keratophyre/Cretaceous Volcanosedimentary Late Cimmerian Lens, vein
143 Dazak 33 22 9 60 4 11 I Limestone and dolomite/Cretaceous Unknown Unknown Unknown
144 Gorgab 1 33 58 39 52 25 47 I Granodiorite/Lower Eocene, Skarn Pyrenean Lens
Metamorphics/Paleozoic
145 Gorgab 2 33 58 47 52 27 5 I Granodiorite and diorite/Eocene; Skarn Pyrenean Lens
limestone/Lower Cretaceous;
schist/Paleozoic
146 Hosein Abad 33 9 43 53 3 11 I Diorite–quartz diorite/Oligo- Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Miocene; andesite/Eocene
147 Khalu Heydar 33 23 7 53 44 15 S Quartzite, schist, and dolomitized Skarn Pan-African Lens
marble/Upper Proterozoic
148 Khomein 33 42 16 49 43 13 I Limestone and dolomite/Lower Volcanosedimentary Late Cimmerian Unknown
Cretaceous
149 Kuh-e-dom 33 59 51 52 49 24 S Porphyry granodiorite/Late Eocene; Skarn Post-Pyrenean Lens,
limestone/Upper Cretaceous; disseminated,
phyllite/Paleozoic Massive
150 Lakab 33 20 30 53 26 17 I Marble and schist/Upper Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
151 Mahallat 33 57 21 50 23 23 I Sedimentary rocks/Upper Paleozoic Unknown Unknown Unknown
152 Mohammad abad 33 13 49 53 41 31 I Limestone/Upper Cretaceous, Schist Hydrothermal Pan-African Veinlet
and marble/Upper Proterozoic
153 Monavad 33 4 11 60 20 50 I Volcanics and limestone/Cretaceous Unknown Unknown Unknown

154 Northern Chah Palang 33 5 34 54 23 10 S Metamorphic, volcanosedimentary Metamorphic Pan-African Stratiformbed
9.1
rocks/Upper Precambrian–Lower
Cambrian
155 Piyuk 33 20 24 53 44 2 I Marble and schist/Upper Hydrothermal Unknown Vein Mn
156 Qayen 33 53 33 59 25 31 I Andesite/Eocene Volcanic Pyrenean Unknown
Introduction
157 Shams Abad 33 48 0 49 43 0 S Lime–argillic/Lower Cretaceous Volcanosedimentary Late Cimmerian Massive

158 Soheil-e-Pakuh 33 10 16 53 1 12 I Diorite–quartz diorite/Oligo- Volcanic Post-Pyrenean Vein Mn
159 Ahangaran 34 7 7 48 59 20 S Limestone, dolomite, and shale/ Sedimentary Late Cimmerian Lens
Cretaceous; slate/Jurassic
160 Anarak-Khur 34 10 37 55 23 39 I Limestone and dolomite/Cretaceous Unknown Unknown Unknown
161 Asad abad 34 51 47 48 5 40 S Metarhyolite, meta-andesite, Volcanosedimentary Early Cimmerian Lens
limestone, and marble/Triassic
162 Baba Ali 34 56 5 48 9 32 S Metavolcanics (acidic to Volcanosedimentary and Early Cimmerian Lens
intermediate), metasubvolcanics metamorphic
and marble/Jurassic
163 Chenare Olya 34 52 0 45 5 0 I Metavolcanics (acidic to Volcanosedimentary and Early Cimmerian Lens
intermediate), metasubvolcanics metamorphic
and marble/Jurassic
164 Dasht-e-Mami tak 34 28 53 60 10 13 I Tuff/Eocene Volcanic Pyrenean Unknown
165 Dehkhazal 34 53 24 47 50 56 S Alkali rhyolite and limestone/Triassic Volcanosedimentary and Early Cimmerian Lens
metamorphic
166 Dehzaman 34 58 0 57 50 0 S Schist, phyllite, dolomite, and Volcanics Hercynian Lens
limestone/Upper Paleozoic–
Lower Triassic
167 Doroud 34 3 0 48 50 22 I Granitoid/Mesozoic Volcanosedimentary Early Cimmerian Unknown
168 Fajrab 34 44 29 49 31 55 I Tuff/Eocene; Limestone/Jurassic Magmatic Pyrenean Unknown
169 Farzoneh 34 30 52 60 35 13 I Granite/Eocene; garnet skarn, Volcanosedimentary Pyrenean Unknown
amphibolite skarn, and shale/
Paleozoic
(continued)
365
(continued)
366

170 Galali 34 51 2 47 54 17 S Metarhyolite, meta-andesite, Volcanosedimentary and Early Cimmerian Lens
limestone, and marble/Triassic metamorphic
171 Hamehkasi 34 53 0 47 50 0 S Limestone and volcanics/ Volcanosedimentary Early Cimmerian Lens
Triassic–Jurassic
172 Hehho 34 41 19 60 24 47 I Metamorphic rocks/ Unknown Unknown Unknown
Paleozoic–Triassic
173 Hezarkhani 34 55 40 47 49 0 S Metarhyolite, meta-andesite, Volcanosedimentary Early Cimmerian Lens
limestone, and marble/Triassic
174 Jowzan 34 14 9 48 56 13 S Metarhyolite and limestone/Jurassic Volcanosedimentary Early Cimmerian Lens
175 Khalt abad 34 11 36 59 41 29 I Unknown Hydrothermal Pyrenean Unknown
176 Khosroabad 34 57 0 47 47 0 S Metarhyolite, meta-andesite, Volcanosedimentary and Early Cimmerian Lens
limestone, and marble/Triassic metamorphic
177 Kuh-e-Ahan 34 24 40 57 22 59 S Limestone and dolomite/Jurassic Unknown Late Cimmerian Unknown
178 Kuh-e-Neybid 34 10 45 59 42 25 I Andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Unknown
179 Kuh-e-Taleb 1 34 28 57 60 25 26 S Granite/Eocene; skarn, shale, and Volcanosedimentary Pyrenean Lens
siltstone/Paleozoic
180 Kuh-e-Taleb 2 34 29 28 60 27 23 S Granite/Eocene; skarn, shale, and Volcanosedimentary Pyrenean Lens
siltstone/Paleozoic
181 Molhem Darreh 34 45 40 48 26 24 I Granitoid/Mesozoic Hydrothermal Unknown Unknown
182 Niyasar 34 13 40 51 8 55 S Diabase/Post-Eocene; limestone/ Volcanic Pyrenean Lens
Eocene
183 Nok-e-Khorous 34 28 40 60 27 15 I Granite/Eocene; skarn, shale, and Volcanosedimentary Early Cimmerian Lens
siltstone/Paleozoic
184 Pahnehbur 34 55 54 48 10 35 S Metarhyolite and limestone/Jurassic Volcanosedimentary Early Cimmerian Lens
185 Pey 34 58 3 60 29 1 I Andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Unknown
186 Poshteh(1) 34 41 19 60 23 16 I Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown
187 Poshteh(2) 34 41 23 60 23 51 I Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown
188 Ravanj 34 11 3 50 45 58 I Granitoid/Oligo-Miocene; Magmatic Post-Pyrenean Unknown
tuff/Eocene
189 Raveh 34 11 47 50 20 8 I Limestone and dolomite/Cretaceous Unknown Unknown Unknown
9.1
190 Sangan 34 28 0 60 25 0 S Granite/Eocene; garnet skarn, Volcanosedimentary, Pyrenean Lens

amphibolite skarn, shale, and metasomatism
siltstone/Paleozoic
191 Shizen 1 34 45 0 60 19 34 I Andesite/Eocene; skarn and siltstone/ Volcanosedimentary Pyrenean Unknown
Introduction
192 Shizen 2 34 44 28 60 17 56 I Andesite/Eocene; skarn and siltstone/ Volcanosedimentary Pyrenean Unknown

193 South of Mahabad 34 18 24 59 37 0 I Unknown Hydrothermal Pyrenean Unknown
194 Southeast of Mahabad 34 17 19 59 41 29 I Unknown Hydrothermal Pyrenean Unknown
195 Bajestan 35 27 35 57 53 39 I Volcanics/Mesozoic Hydrothermal Unknown Unknown
196 Chalu 35 34 30 54 21 9 S Andesite/Eocene Volcanosedimentary Pyrenean Lens
197 Charmaleh Bala-va- 35 1 21 47 46 32 S Metarhyolite, meta-andesite, Volcanosedimentary Early Cimmerian Lens
Paein limestone, and marble/Triassic
198 Divar 35 14 35 60 23 50 I Andesite/Tertiary Volcanic Pyrenean Unknown
199 Juzan 35 15 36 48 17 24 I Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown
200 Kahriz now 35 10 5 60 3 25 I Granitoid/Tertiary; limestone/ Hydrothermal Pyrenean Unknown
Cretaceous
201 Kuh-e-Sormeh Ali 35 10 14 47 18 31 I Volcanics and limestone/Jurassic Skarn Laramide Unknown
202 Mohammad Abad 35 24 42 57 23 11 I Tuff and andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Unknown
203 Namegh 35 23 31 58 50 27 I Diorite–granodiorite/Upper Hydrothermal Pyrenean Unknown
Eocene–Lower Oligocene
204 North of Semnan 35 35 0 53 25 0 S Andesite and dacite/Tertiary Volcanic Pyrenean Massive
205 Northwest of Tanureh 35 24 41 58 36 2 S Diorite–granodiorite/Upper Hydrothermal Pyrenean Massive
206 Panj Kuh 35 47 22 54 20 0 S Syenite and volcanics/ Magmatic Pyrenean Lens
Eocene–Oligocene
207 Siahbala 35 14 55 60 22 25 I Andesite/Tertiary Volcanic Pyrenean Unknown
208 Tanurcheh 35 23 51 58 37 38 S Diorite and granodiorite/Upper Hydrothermal Pyrenean Massive
209 Tohen Abad 35 16 3 48 52 28 I Sedimentary rocks/Oligo-Miocene Unknown Unknown Unknown
(continued)
367
(continued)
368

210 Alam Kuh 36 25 54 50 57 48 I Shale, sandstone, and limestone/ Sedimentary Laramid Stratiformbed,
Upper Paleozoic–Jurassic lens
211 Amir abad (Gharavol 36 37 0 47 20 0 I Intermediate to basic volcanics and Volcanosedimentary Post-Pyrenean Lens
Khaneh) subvolcanics/Oligo-Miocene
212 Arjin 36 27 0 49 0 0 S Dolomite/Lower Cambrian Volcanosedimentary Pan-African Lens
213 Bichaghchi 36 37 0 46 48 0 I Shale, slate, and rhyolite/Precambrian Sedimentary Pan-African Stratiformbed
214 Biveh zhan 36 3 11 59 21 20 S Shale and limestone/Upper Sedimentary Hercynian Stratiformbed
215 Chahar Tagh 36 28 0 47 16 0 S Dolomite and schist/Upper Sedimentary Pan-African Lens Iron, Zn,
Precambrian Pb, Ba
216 Eskand 36 37 25 48 45 36 I Granite, granodiorite, and volcanics/ Skarn Pyrenean Vein
Eocene
217 Ghalicheh Bolagh 36 48 0 47 53 0 S Granite, metavolcanic, and shale/ Volcanosedimentary Pan-African Lens
Upper Precambrian
218 Goljook 36 12 0 48 4 0 S Dolomite/Upper Precambrian–Lower Sedimentary Pan-African Lens
Cambrian
219 Incheh 36 37 0 48 24 0 I Tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Unknown
220 Kavand 36 42 16 48 8 42 S Dolomite/Upper Precambrian Sedimentary Pan-African Stratiformbed
221 Kuh-e-baba (Alikandi) 36 46 0 47 14 0 S Andesite and subvolcanic/ Volcanic Post-Pyrenean Lens
Post-Oligo-Miocene
222 Kuh-e-Haraz 36 20 32 54 45 39 I Sedimentary rocks/Paleogene Unknown Unknown Unknown
223 Mirjan 36 43 30 47 57 30 S Dolomite/Upper Precambrian Sedimentary Pan-African Stratiformbed
224 Morvariyeh 36 34 0 48 33 0 S Granite and granodiorite/Eocene– Magmatic Post-Pyrenean Massive
Oligocene; andesite/Eocene
225 North of Rud-e-Alamut 36 33 39 50 30 56 I Shale, sandstone, and limestone/ Unknown Unknown Unknown
Lower Paleozoic
226 Northwest of Kahoor 36 24 11 49 30 39 I Andesite/Tertiary Hydrothermal Pyrenean Unknown
Charan synclinal
227 Northwestern Arjin 36 25 43 48 39 29 I Dolomite/Upper Precambrian Sedimentary Pan-African Lens

228 Shah Bolagh 36 38 41 48 5 30 S Dolomite and shale/Upper Sedimentary Pan-African Stratiformbed
9.1
229 Shahrak 36 22 0 47 32 0 M Andesite, rhyolite, diorite, and Volcanic (flow Post-Pyrenean Stratiformbed
limestone/Miocene magnetiti?)
230 Shahsavar 36 27 34 50 45 0 I Shale, sandstone, and limestone/ Unknown Unknown Unknown
Lower Paleozoic
Introduction
231 Soltaniyeh 36 36 0 48 49 0 I Granitoid/Oligo-Miocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Unknown

232 Sorkhedizaj 36 35 0 48 50 0 S Andesite, granodiorite to tonalite/ Magmatic Post-Pyrenean Massive
Oligo-Miocene
233 Southwest of Arjin 36 23 24 48 41 35 I Dolomite/Upper Precambrian Sedimentary Pan-African Lens
234 Takab 1 36 22 15 47 31 5 I Granitoid/Tertiary; phyllite and Hydrothermal Pyrenean Unknown
schist/Jurassic–Cretaceous
235 Takab 2 36 43 45 47 57 30 I Granitoid/Precambrian Hydrothermal Pan-African Unknown
236 West of Arjin 36 0 32 48 32 5 I Dolomite/Upper Precambrian Sedimentary Pan-African Lens
237 Zafarabad 36 12 0 46 57 59 S Basic igneous rocks and limestone/ Volcanosedimentary Hercynian Lens
Permian
238 Zanjan 36 31 0 48 29 8 I Sandstone and shale/Precambrian Unknown Unknown Unknown
239 Zardabiyeh 36 11 6 55 7 37 I Andesite/Eocene Magmatic Pyrenean Unknown
240 Aghbolagh 37 9 5 45 7 0 I Granite and dolomite/Precambrian Magmatic Pan-African Lens
241 Balestan 37 10 0 45 20 0 S Granite, metavolcanic, shale, and Volcanosedimentary Pan-African Lens
dolomite/Upper Precambrian
242 Guran 37 9 5 48 54 23 S Sandstone and shale/Permian Sedimentary Hercynian Stratiformbed
243 Masuleh 37 9 0 48 59 0 I Volcanosedimentary rocks/Upper Volcanosedimentary Hercynian Unknown
244 Tatav Rud 37 12 59 49 7 45 I Limestone/Cretaceous Skarn Pyrenean Unknown
245 Amirchi 38 49 19 46 42 23 I Volcanics and volcanoclastics/ Skarn Pyrenean Unknown
Eocene; limestone/Cretaceous
246 Biruz 38 52 0 46 50 30 I Acidic volcanic rocks and limestone/ Skarn Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous–Lower Paleocene
247 Bizarin 38 40 16 46 47 26 I Granodiorite/Oligo-Miocene; Skarn Post-Pyrenean Unknown
limestone/Cretaceous
(continued)
369
(continued)
370

248 Eskandian 38 0 0 44 40 0 S Metamorphic rocks bearing Skarn Pyrenean Lens
amphibolite and granitoid/
Post-Cretaceous
249 Mazraeh 38 38 47 47 4 11 I Volcanics and volcanoclastics/ Skarn Pyrenean Unknown
250 North of Bizarin 38 41 26 46 47 16 I Granodiorite/Oligo-Miocene; Skarn Post-Pyrenean Unknown
251 Sarghin 38 29 0 47 10 20 I Latite and ignimbrite/Eocene Volcanic Pyrenean Disseminated
252 Vayan 38 55 30 46 47 41 I Intrusive rocks/Tertiary; volcanic, Skarn Laramide Lens
marble, and limestone/Upper
Cretaceous
253 Zaklike 38 33 0 47 4 0 S Volcanic and intrusive rocks/ Skarn Pyrenean Lens
Eocene–Oligocene; sedimentary
rocks/Cretaceous
254 Kalat Naser Qaen I Schist and gabbro/Upper Paleozoic Volcanosedimentary Hercynian Lens
255 Neizar S Schist and limestone/Upper Sedimentary Hercynian Stratiformbed
256 Sheikhab S Andesite/Tertiary Volcanic Pyrenean Lens
a
S Smal, I Index, L Large
Complete list of manganese mineral deposits and indications of Iran along with their detailed specifications
9.1

1 Abband 28 54 23 54 24 29 S Radiolarite chert/Upper Cretaceous Sedimentary or Laramide Vein Fe, Si
hydrothermal
Introduction
2 Abdol Abad 36 23 0 50 8 0 S Andesite and tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein

3 Abdollah Abad 36 22 6 50 3 24 S Volcanic/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
4 Aghcheh Mazar-e- 35 40 0 50 10 0 I Dacite, andesite/Eo-Oligocene Volcanosedimentary Pyrenean Vein
Eshtehard
5 Arat kuh 35 20 0 51 21 30 S Dacite/Eocene–Oligocene Volcanosedimentary Pyrenean Disseminated
6 Asad 35 44 0 57 9 38 S Volcanic and sedimentary rocks Volcanosedimentary Laramide Vein
(from Kashmar ophiolite
complex)/Upper
7 Bagh Ghareh 35 11 35 59 31 34 S Tuff and andesite/Eocene; limestone/ Volcanosedimentary Pyrenean Vein
Cretaceous
8 Bardash Khaneh 36 19 0 57 52 0 S Basalt, spilite, and limestone/Upper Volcanosedimentary Laramide Lens
Cretaceous
9 Bazni (Baznin) 33 15 0 52 34 22 S Dacite and andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Lens
10 Benavid 32 39 0 53 9 32 S Carbonaceous silica volcanic/Upper Volcanosedimentary Pyrenean Stratiformbed, Fe
Cretaceous–Lower Paleogene lens
11 Benesporte 35 44 31 57 13 37 S Volcanic and sedimentary rocks Volcanosedimentary Laramide Stratiformbed
(from Kashmar ophiolite
complex)/Upper
12 Chah Anjir 29 48 29 53 45 57 S Dolomitic limestone, limestone, and Volcanosedimentary Laramide Stratiformbed,
chert/Cretaceous vein
13 Chah Sefid 33 40 0 53 27 0 S Andesite and andesitic dacite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Cu, As, Ba
14 Chahbashi 32 32 58 53 12 20 M Marble and schist/Lower Cretaceous Volcanosedimentary Pyrenean Vein Fe
15 Chahgabri Sar-e-Kavir 35 24 1 54 14 48 S Mica-schist/Upper Precambrian– Hydrothermal Pyrenean Lens Fe
Lower Cambrian
371
(continued)
(continued)
372

16 Chahpalang 33 5 34 54 23 17 S Dolomite, marble, schist, and Volcanosedimentary Pan-African Stratiformbed Fe, Mn
metavolcanics/Upper
17 Chaytelvar 37 17 18 47 37 43 I Rhyolite, trachyte, andesite, and tuff/ Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Disseminated
Lower Miocene
18 Debeklu (Amir Abad) 37 39 43 46 53 43 S Andesite and tuff/Oligo-Miocene Volcanic Post-Pyrenean Vein S, P, Fe
19 East of Rudkhaneh 35 28 46 50 58 50 S Dacite, andesite/Eocene Volcanosedimentary Pyrenean Vein
Shur
20 Eastern Torkemani 33 13 15 54 4 1 S Dolomite/Upper Precambrian–Lower Telethermal Pan-African Vein Fe
Cambrian
21 Gel-e-gonegu 33 4 25 53 2 10 S Limestone and porphyritic volcanics/ Volcanosedimentary Laramide Massive
Cretaceous
22 Ghazalcheh Maragheh 37 15 16 46 53 20 S Tuff/Eocene–Oligocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
23 Ghupuz 37 27 50 46 50 0 I Conglomerate/Upper Miocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Veinlet, vein
24 Goloujeh 37 39 27 47 9 0 I Volcanics and carbonaceous volcanic Volcanic Post-Pyrenean Vein
rocks/Miocene
25 Guvanich 27 56 45 60 36 44 S Tuff, andesite, shale, and limestone/ Volcanosedimentary Laramide Vein Fe
Upper Cretaceous
26 Hasan Robat 33 24 0 50 50 0 M Dolomite and marble/Precambrian Sedimentary Hercynian Lens, vein Fe
27 Heneshk 30 47 30 53 16 0 M Schist, phyllite, and metavolcanic/ Sedimentary Hercynian Lens, vein Fe, Mn, Ba
Upper Paleozoic
28 Hojib 35 31 22 50 8 44 I Dacite, andesite/Eo-Oligocene Volcanosedimentary Pyrenean Vein
29 Idehlu Chughani 37 11 13 46 51 36 I Shale and sandstone/Jurassic and Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein S, P
limestone, dolomite limestone,
and quartz keratophyre/Miocene
30 Janbahan 37 53 43 46 47 59 S Conglomerate and sandstone/ Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Disseminated,
Miocene veinlet
31 Khalifeh Kamal 37 17 26 47 18 30 I Olivine basaltic andesite, tuff, and Volcanic Post-Pyrenean Vein S, P, Fe
dolomite limestone/Lower
Miocene
32 Khalu Heydar 33 22 37 53 40 0 S Quartzite schist and dolomitized Skarn Pan-African Lens Fe, Mn
9.1
33 Kolujeh 37 39 27 47 9 0 I Volcanics and carbonaceous volcanic Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
rocks/Miocene
34 Kuh-e-Baba Khalou 33 40 0 53 26 48 I Andesite/Upper Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Fe, Ba
35 Kuh-e-bababozorgi 33 40 36 53 27 34 S Andesite/Upper Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
Introduction
36 Kuh-e-darbid 32 30 42 54 28 25 S Carbonaceous rocks/Upper Hydrothermal Mid-Cimmerian Lens

Jurassic–Lower Cretaceous
37 Kuh-e-Zard 33 10 11 53 0 0 I Limestone and dolomite/Cretaceous Unknown Unknown Unknown
38 Lyak (Niak) 35 40 20 50 24 48 S Dacite/Eocene–Oligocene Volcanosedimentary Pyrenean Vein Fe, Cu, Pb
39 Malayer 34 11 48 48 55 34 M Limestone/Cretaceous Volcanosedimentary Laramide Stratiformbed, S, P
(Ahmadroghani) vein
40 Manamin 37 16 17 48 20 54 I Tuff and andesite/Eocene–Oligocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein Pb
41 Mohammad Ali Khan 35 15 0 50 57 20 S Volcanics/Paleogene Volcanosedimentary Pyrenean Vein Fe, Mn
42 Mourchekhort 33 15 0 51 15 0 M Limestone/Lower Cretaceous; siltstone, Hydrothermal Mid-Cimmerian Vein Fe, Cu
shale, and sandstone/Jurassic
43 Muteh 33 40 30 50 40 38 S Schist/Upper Precambrian–Lower Hydrothermal Pan-African Lens Fe
Cambrian
44 Narigan 31 47 3 55 41 2 M Carbonaceous rocks and carbona- Volcanosedimentary or Pan-African Lens Fe
ceous detrital and rhyolite/Upper Volcanic
Precambrian
45 Neyriz 29 10 38 54 14 22 S Shale, radiolarite, red silic, and Volcanosedimentary Late Cimmerian Stratiformbed
limestone/Jurassic–Cretaceous
46 Northwest Kuh-e- 35 12 29 59 26 25 I Tuff, andesite/Eocene; limestone/ Volcanosedimentary Pyrenean Vein Fe, Cu
Kafardogh Cretaceous
47 Nugh 35 8 0 59 36 43 S Tuff and andesite/Tertiary Volcanic Pyrenean Vein
48 Qaleh Gang 33 10 11 53 0 0 S Limestone bearing quartz and shale Hydrothermal Laramide Small lens
bearing mica/Upper Cretaceous–
Lower Paleogene
49 Qom 34 25 9 50 45 26 I Tuff and tuffaceous sandstone and Volcanosedimentary Pyrenean Stratiformbed Fe
limestone and volcanics/Eocene
(continued)
373
(continued)
374

50 Robatkarim 35 29 11 50 58 51 M Volcanics and pyroclastics/Eocene Volcanosedimentary Pyrenean Stratiformbed
51 Rudkhaneh 33 53 29 52 23 51 I Limestone/Oligo-Miocene Sedimentary Post-Pyrenean Stratiformbed
52 Salamrud 35 18 0 56 54 0 S Basalt, spilite, and limestone/Upper Volcanosedimentary Laramide Vein Fe
Cretaceous
53 Sangaz (Sargaz) 27 55 34 56 40 0 S Volcanic and sedimentary rocks/ Massive Late Cimmerian Vein Fe
Upper Jurassic–Upper Triassic
54 Sarmak 30 26 0 53 40 0 S Siltstone, sandstone, and limestone/ Hydrothermal Mid-Cimmerian Vein Fe
Upper Jurassic–Lower
Cretaceous
55 Sefid Kuh 1 34 54 3 57 5 10 S Limestone, shale, and sandstone/ Unknown Unknown Unknown
Jurassic
56 Sefid Kuh 2 34 54 0 57 8 23 S Limestone, shale, and sandstone/ Unknown Unknown Unknown
Jurassic
57 Sefid Kuh 3 34 56 13 57 9 40 I Limestone, shale, and sandstone/ Unknown Unknown Unknown
Jurassic
58 Separab 33 7 28 53 0 58 S Limestone and porphyritic volcanics/ Volcanosedimentary Laramide Massive Fe, Cu, Pb
Cretaceous
59 Shams Abad 33 48 0 49 43 0 S Limestone and shale/Lower Volcanosedimentary Late Cimmerian Massive Fe
Cretaceous
60 Shemsh Abad 33 51 0 50 9 3 I Limestone and dolomite/Cretaceous; Unknown Unknown Unknown Fe
sandstone and shale/Jurassic
61 Sorkhshad 33 33 34 53 36 28 S Andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein, veinlet Fe
62 Venarch 34 25 8 50 45 18 L Tuff, tuffaceous sandstone, Volcanosedimentary Pyrenean Stratiformbed S, P
limestone, and volcanics/Eocene
63 Viladarreh 38 12 50 48 2 52 I Tuff/Pliocene; sandstone and Volcanic Post-Pyrenean Disseminated, Cu
siltstone/Upper Miocene veinlet
64 Western Kuh-e-dom 33 57 41 52 40 31 I Volcanics/Eocene; limestone/Lower Volcanic Pyrenean Veinlet Mn, Fe
Cretaceous
65 Zereshlu 37 18 22 47 17 50 I Andesite/Lower Miocene Volcanic Post-Pyrenean Vein
Complete list of chromite mineral deposits and indications of Iran along with their detailed specifications
9.1

1 Gootich 26 54 8 59 0 45 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
Introduction
2 Hari Duk 26 43 15 60 10 3 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens

Upper Cretaceous
3 Mir Abad 26 54 8 59 15 0 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
4 Moter Abad 26 48 15 59 7 30 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
5 Remeshk 26 44 3 59 12 15 S Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
6 Amir 27 29 29 57 13 50 M Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
7 Badafshan Bala 27 35 57 57 12 15 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
8 East of ghallat 27 16 21 57 15 59 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
9 East of Kuh-e- 27 47 51 57 34 5 S Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Mishbadam Upper Cretaceous
10 Faryab 27 27 49 57 2 42 L Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens Cu
Upper Cretaceous
11 Ghallat 27 16 33 57 16 13 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
12 Gunich 27 58 1 60 34 27 S Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
13 Heydari 27 35 8 57 3 13 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
14 Jaghin 27 11 21 57 21 44 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
(continued)
375
(continued)
376

15 Kuh Sorkh 27 50 0 57 30 0 S Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
16 Kuh-e-Cheshmeh 27 36 57 57 3 50 S Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
17 Kuh-e-Garuk 27 47 34 57 34 35 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
18 Kuh-e-GolKahan 27 38 44 57 10 44 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
19 Kuh-e-Goltahan 27 38 44 57 10 44 S Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
20 Kuh-e-Mishbadam 27 47 43 57 21 49 S Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
21 Kuh-e-Sorkh 27 33 47 57 3 50 S Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
22 Kuh-e-Sorkh 27 50 0 57 30 0 I Dunite, serpentinite, and ;pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
23 Kuh-e-Tisa 27 0 24 57 35 12 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
24 Kutak 27 52 42 57 37 21 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
25 Nader 27 8 57 57 23 4 S Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
26 Northeast of 27 23 13 57 23 6 S Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Dastgerd fault Upper Cretaceous
27 Reza 27 25 31 57 27 41 S Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
28 Shahin 27 23 17 57 24 33 S Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
29 Shahryar-e-Shahin 27 14 28 57 14 36 M Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
30 SouthofJaghin 27 11 4 57 21 17 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
9.1
Upper Cretaceous
31 Southwest of Rudan 27 24 18 57 22 36 S Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
fault Upper Cretaceous
32 Surakh 27 45 41 57 22 3 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
Introduction
33 Shahin 1 27 22 38 57 27 30 Ophiolite complex/Upper Magmatic Laramide Lens

34 Shahin 2 27 22 46 57 24 18 Ophiolite complex/Upper Magmatic Early Cimmerian Lens
37 South West Of 27 18 2 57 21 31 Ophiolite complex/Upper Magmatic Early Cimmerian Lens
Khosro Abad Paleozoic–Triassic
38 North of Kuh-e- 27 26 2 57 3 0 Ophiolite complex/Upper Magmatic Early Cimmerian Lens
Zendan Paleozoic–Triassic
39 Abdasht 28 23 0 56 45 0 M Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Early Cimmerian Lens
Upper Cretaceous
40 bagh Borj 28 33 14 57 3 3 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
41 Esfandagheh 28 22 0 56 44 0 M Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
42 ShahGhabel 28 26 57 54 4 36 S Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
43 SheikhAli 28 13 28 56 49 13 S Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
44 Soluo 28 37 45 57 3 4 S Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
45 Bagh-e-Baluch 29 25 0 54 14 10 S Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
(continued)
377
(continued)
378

46 Barandaz 29 30 0 54 5 0 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
47 Chah Jangal 29 33 14 60 3 0 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
48 Chenar-e-Mohseni 29 25 40 54 14 10 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
49 Darvazeh 29 24 40 54 7 45 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
50 East of Chah Bereshi 29 36 51 60 12 30 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
51 Golchah 29 22 20 54 9 20 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
52 Khajeh Jamal 29 25 30 54 7 0 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
53 KhajehJamali 29 57 30 53 45 30 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
54 Kuh-e-khul 29 36 14 59 59 42 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
55 Kuh-e-Shur Shirin 1 29 49 4 60 9 6 S Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
56 Kuh-e-Shur Shirin 2 29 45 51 60 9 23 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
57 Mohammad Saleh 29 16 5 54 11 15 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
58 Shuvin 29 42 20 60 7 35 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
59 Siah Jagun 29 42 20 60 10 18 S Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
60 Tang-e-Hana 29 24 30 54 11 0 S Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
61 tang-e-Hasan 29 24 30 54 10 0 S Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
9.1
Upper Cretaceous
62 Aludeh Asagi 1 30 37 18 60 12 19 S Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
63 Aludeh Asagi 2 30 37 18 60 13 52 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
Introduction
64 Aludeh Asagi 3 30 37 15 60 10 0 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens

Upper Cretaceous
65 Hipoo 30 39 0 60 10 49 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
66 Kuh-e-Yalan 30 47 48 59 52 9 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
67 Mordar Kuh 30 50 36 60 0 33 S Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
68 Nehbandan 31 42 20 60 11 57 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
69 Chah-e-Panjsar 32 27 47 60 17 30 I Gabbro, dunite, serpentinite, and Magmatic Laramide Lens
pyroxenite/Upper Cretaceous
70 Mazraeh 32 16 45 60 4 30 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
71 Chah Palang 33 6 29 53 4 18 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
72 Espar 33 8 39 53 3 47 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
73 Hoseyn Abad 1 33 8 55 53 2 52 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
74 Hoseyn Abad 2 33 7 50 53 2 40 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
75 Soheil-e-Pakuh 33 9 43 53 0 57 S Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
76 Sorajeh 33 7 36 53 4 17 S Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
(continued)
379
(continued)
380

77 Surand (Shurab) 33 19 36 60 4 50 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
78 Zillan (South of 33 10 59 60 9 34 S Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Zeidan) Upper Cretaceous
79 Aghsu 35 45 24 59 14 40 S Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
80 Ajisur1 35 43 38 59 20 0 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
Upper Cretaceous
Upper Cretaceous
83 Amolgu 35 53 48 58 32 52 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
84 Ghoflavaren 35 40 24 59 6 57 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
85 Godar-e-Kutaku 1 35 44 3 59 27 0 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
86 Godar-e-Kutaku 2 35 47 13 59 26 29 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
87 Kajulingu 35 46 34 59 32 45 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
88 Kushk Kar 1 35 43 38 59 20 0 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
89 Kushk Kar 2 35 37 27 59 0 0 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
90 Mohammad Hasan 35 39 12 59 19 0 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
91 Nahagsat 35 47 12 59 15 0 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
92 Robat Sefid 35 24 44 59 58 30 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
9.1
Upper Cretaceous
93 Sarab-e-Robat Sefid 35 46 22 59 21 30 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
94 Sirsar1 35 26 54 59 26 39 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
Introduction

Upper Cretaceous
Upper Cretaceous
97 Tak Cheshmeh 35 24 41 59 18 0 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Mohammad Upper Cretaceous
Hoseyn
98 Tang-e-Hasan Ali 35 39 44 59 16 15 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Shah Upper Cretaceous
99 Ziarat 35 43 38 59 27 20 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
100 Agalgu 36 17 36 58 6 30 I Ophiolite complex/Upper Cretaceous Magmatic Laramide Lens
101 Avaz1 36 20 36 57 59 0 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
102 Avaz2 36 18 11 57 58 30 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
103 Bujandar 36 30 42 57 6 30 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
104 Daran-e-Akvand 36 19 24 57 40 15 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
105 Darreh Bid 36 23 41 57 34 40 S Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
106 Darreh Parand 36 23 9 57 37 40 S Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
107 Darvish1 36 18 14 58 5 0 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
(continued)
381
(continued)
382

108 Darvish2 36 16 37 58 10 0 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
109 Dejangal 36 22 1 57 38 15 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
110 Denow1 36 19 23 57 49 0 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
111 Denow2 36 25 49 57 29 9 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
112 Forumad 36 32 50 56 50 24 S Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
113 Gaft 36 33 42 56 49 18 S Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
114 Gandevir 36 35 48 56 38 24 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
115 Gazavir 36 36 14 56 38 0 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
116 Gharyeh NurAbad 36 17 42 58 5 10 S Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
117 Ghasem Darvish1 36 17 44 58 15 0 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
118 Ghasem Darvish2 36 17 27 58 15 8 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
119 Golbini1 36 33 9 56 32 21 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
120 Golbini2 36 32 19 56 32 37 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
121 Hoseyn Abad 36 17 56 58 18 46 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
122 Hulangu Shir 36 25 15 57 8 0 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
123 Jangal 36 17 33 58 15 35 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
9.1
Upper Cretaceous
124 Kalat-e-Sabz1 36 33 12 56 31 0 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
125 Kalat-e-Sabz2 36 35 21 56 34 48 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
Introduction
126 Khurab1 36 21 48 57 49 30 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens

Upper Cretaceous
127 Khurab2 36 24 3 57 50 18 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
128 Kuh-e-Sive 36 21 17 57 41 30 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
129 Kuh-e-Surj 36 13 8 58 25 0 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
130 Miandasht 36 26 57 56 0 0 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
131 Mir Hoseyn 36 19 24 57 40 15 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
132 Mir Mahmud 36 31 36 56 41 25 S Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
133 Moghestan 2 36 31 20 57 10 53 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
134 Moghestan1 36 32 53 56 28 30 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
135 Morvarid Dor 36 35 50 56 46 0 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
136 MourAli Abad 36 16 36 59 32 37 I Ophiolite/Upper Paleozoic Magmatic Late Cimmerian Lens
137 Mur1 36 28 58 56 50 0 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
138 Mur2 36 33 21 57 5 22 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
(continued)
383
384
(continued)
139 Najm Abad 36 5 38 57 59 6 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
140 Nezam Abad 36 17 26 58 1 0 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
141 Rak-e-Kamis 36 27 18 57 5 0 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
142 Sandana 36 27 0 57 0 15 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
143 Sarvar-e-Sabzevar 36 33 42 56 42 44 S Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
144 Seltesh Abad 36 33 1 56 43 30 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
145 Shuryab 36 21 36 57 48 38 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
146 Shuryab1 36 15 21 58 23 23 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
147 Shuryab2 36 13 44 58 22 0 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
148 SoodKhar 36 23 27 57 10 57 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
149 Sukhteh Dar 36 50 39 56 34 48 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
150 Sur-e-Ali Abad 36 30 49 56 52 0 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
151 Tak Cheshm 36 13 22 58 17 15 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
152 Tak Khaneh Hoseyn 1 36 11 21 58 14 30 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
153 Tak Khaneh Hoseyn 2 36 12 10 58 11 27 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
9.1
Upper Cretaceous
154 Zarvand 36 15 45 58 23 0 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
155 Tachakan 37 3 13 57 51 36 I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
Introduction
156 Gheshlagh Khoy 38 39 30 44 47 34 S Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
157 Abkuh S Ophiolite complex/Upper Magmatic Hercynian Lens
158 Anbar-e-Forumad S Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Late Cimmerian Lens
Upper Cretaceous
159 BaghChenar S Dunite, Serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
160 Barantin S Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
161 Chah Gardun S Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
162 Chah Zar S Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
163 Chahdust I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
164 Cheshmehbid S Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
165 Dahaneh Shir S Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
166 DehBid-e-Sirjan S Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
167 Gharyeh Bang S Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
(continued)
385
(continued)
386

168 Godar-e-Kabutary-e- S Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
DolatAbad Upper Cretaceous
169 Jamp I Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
170 Join S Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
171 Kalateh Sabz va S Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Garmeh Upper Cretaceous
172 Khash S Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
173 Kheir Abad S Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
174 Kuh-e-Shah S Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
175 Mehr-e-Sabzevar S Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
176 Miand ehy Fariman S Ophiolite complex/Upper Magmatic Late Cimmerian Lens
177 Mokhtar Abad S Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
178 Nipeyk-e-Sharghi S Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
179 North of Abbas Abad S Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
180 Nosrat Abad S Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
181 Nur Abad S Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
182 SangSefid S Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
183 Sarkhun S Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
9.1
Upper Cretaceous
184 Sefidab S Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
185 Shahrud `s Chromite S Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens
Upper Cretaceous
Introduction
186 Zarijak S Dunite, serpentinite, and pyroxenite/ Magmatic Laramide Lens

Upper Cretaceous
187 Ziv Fariman S Ophiolite complex/Upper Magmatic Late Cimmerian Lens
387
388
Complete list of wolframite mineral deposits and indications of Iran along with their detailed specifications
1 Chah Kalab 31 58 0 59 31 20 M Granite/Upper Jurassic; marble and schist/ Skarn Late Cimmerian Vein Cu, Pb, Zn
Jurassic
2 Southern Chahpalang 32 57 17 54 11 46 S Granite/Post-Jurassic (Eocene); shale, Hydrothermal Late Cimmerian Vein, lens Cu, Ni, Au, Bi
sandstone/Triassic–Jurassic
3 Bamsar 33 42 33 49 9 47 I Phyllite and granodiorite and limestone/ Skarn Late Cimmerian Disseminated Sn
Jurassic
4 Nazem Abad 33 40 0 49 17 0 S Quartz diorite, schist, hornfels/Cretaceous Hydrothermal Laramide Vein Sn
Complete list of copper mineral deposits and indications of Iran along with their detailed specifications
9.1

1 Ab Bahry 29 24 0 56 35 0 S Sedimentary rocks and conglomerate/ Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Upper Eocene
Introduction
2 Abad-e-pabagh 30 24 0 54 59 40 I Diorite and andesite/Paleogene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein

3 Abbas Abad 35 8 50 50 32 0 S Andesite and tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
(Narbolaghi)
4 Abbas Abad (Zanjan) 36 28 10 49 9 10 S Volcanic rocks/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein Au
5 Abbas Abad-e-Aynalu 38 53 0 46 50 30 S Granite/Upper Eocene–Lower Skarn Post-Pyrenean Vein Au, Pb
Oligocene; volcanic rocks/Eocene;
limestone/Upper Cretaceous
6 Abdar 30 30 40 54 56 0 I Porphyritic intrusion/Oligo-Miocene; Porphyry Post-Pyrenean Vein Au
porphyrite andesite/Eocene
7 Abtalkhun 29 48 55 56 4 31 S Andesite, basaltic andesite, and Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
pyroclastic/Eocene
8 Abyaneh 33 31 0 51 31 0 S Volcanic rocks/Mesozoic Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
9 Adia bagh 30 24 0 54 59 40 I Volcanic rocks/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
10 Afin 33 34 17 59 45 48 I Granite/Tertiary; limestone/Cretaceous Skarn Post-Pyrenean Vein
11 Agh Darreh 36 30 40 49 10 0 I Andesite and tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
12 Agha baba sang 38 35 32 46 46 55 I Andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein Au, Ag
13 Aghamira 38 49 30 46 39 0 I Granodiorite/Upper Eocene–Lower Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein Au
Oligocene; porphyry andesite and
dacite/Eocene; limestone/Upper
Cretaceous
14 Akhavaniyeh 35 38 0 50 40 0 I Andesite and tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
15 Ali Abad 36 26 0 49 11 30 I Andesite and tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
16 Ali Abad 31 39 0 53 51 0 L Porphyry granite/Eocene; limestone Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
and shale/Jurassic
17 Ali Bolagh 36 27 20 49 10 25 I Granodiorite/Upper Eocene–Lower Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Oligocene
389
(continued)
390
(continued)
18 Ali Javad 38 39 5 46 55 33 S Monzonite/Oligo-Miocene; andesite Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein Au
and basalt/Quaternary
19 Allah Abad 29 39 50 56 42 20 I Microdiorite/Oligo-Miocene; volcanic Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
rocks and pyroclastic/Eocene
20 Alvand 36 18 46 49 10 50 I Granite and granodiorite/Upper Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein Au
21 Amirabad 30 2 0 56 7 0 I Andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
22 Anar 30 34 52 55 3 41 I Limestone and sandstone/Jurassic Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
23 Andab Jadid 38 20 0 47 14 0 I Granite/Eocene–Oligocene; tuff Skarn Post-Pyrenean Vein Fe, Mo
and limestone/Cretaceous
24 Anjel 33 34 55 59 8 41 I Andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
25 Anjerd-e-olya 38 40 20 46 55 12 I Granite/Oligocene; andesite/Eocene; Skarn Post-Pyrenean Vein Mo, Pb-Zn,
limestone/Cretaceous Au, Ag
26 Ardiz 29 58 0 55 48 0 I Granite/Oligo-Miocene; rhyolite Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
and dacite/Eocene
27 Arousan 33 42 17 52 57 26 I Epeirogenic carbonate deposits Epithermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
(sandstone, conglomerate, and
limestone)/Upper Cretaceous
28 Arzandeh 34 46 40 60 14 2 I Rhyolite and andesite lava/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
29 Arzandeh 35 1 0 60 1 0 I Breccia, andesite, and sandstone/Upper Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Cretaceous
30 Asheghlu 34 54 0 49 37 0 S Rhyolite and dacite/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
31 Asiadive 36 26 40 56 28 0 S Andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
32 Astamal 38 42 0 46 24 30 S Porphyritic dacite, andesite, and acidic Porphyry Post-Pyrenean Vein Mo, Pb-Zn
tuff/Eocene; limestone/Cretaceous
33 Astamal cheshmeh 38 44 18 46 23 48 I Granite/Upper Oligocene–Lower Skarn Post-Pyrenean Vein
ghan Miocene; volcanic rocks, porphyry
andesite, limestone/Eocene
34 Avan 38 45 47 46 23 11 I Diorite/Upper Eocene–Lower Skarn Post-Pyrenean Vein
9.1
Oligocene; limestone/Cretaceous
35 Aveh 36 18 53 50 36 4 I Basalt and Andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
36 Aveh Darreh 36 22 0 50 38 0 I Crystalline limestone and mica-schist/ Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Jurassic
37 Aynalu 38 52 30 46 49 0 I Intrusion/Upper Eocene–Lower Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein Mo
Introduction
Oligocene; limestone and andesite/

Cretaceous
38 Bab Konuj 29 18 0 57 15 30 I Granite/Oligo-Miocene; volcanic rocks/ Porphyry Post-Pyrenean Vein
Eocene
39 Bab Nam 29 7 0 57 20 25 I Tonalite and quartz diorite/Oligo- Porphyry Post-Pyrenean Vein
Miocene; volcanics/Eocene
40 Bad Mish 28 32 0 58 24 0 I Granite/Oligo-Miocene; limestone Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
and volcanics/Upper Cretaceous
41 Badamu 30 20 0 56 45 20 I Basic dyke and volcanic rocks/ Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Paleogene
42 Bagh Borji 1 28 32 52 57 1 59 S Granite/Oligo-Miocene; limestone Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
and volcanics/Upper Cretaceous
43 Bagh Borji 2 28 33 41 57 0 55 I Granite/Oligo-Miocene; dacite and Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
rhyolite and andesite/Eocene
44 Bagh Chamak 29 11 27 58 16 51 I Dacite and rhyolite and pyroclastic/ Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Eocene
45 Bagh Ghorogh 33 35 32 53 48 30 S Andesite/Eocene Epithermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
46 Bagh khoshk 29 50 2 56 59 41 L Tonalite and quartz diorite and diorite/ Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Oligo-Miocene; andesite and
pyroclastic/Eocene
47 Bagh-e-Alu 36 30 0 56 0 0 I Andesite and sandstone and madstone/ Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Eocene
48 Bagheraei 29 28 0 57 12 20 I Granite/Oligo-Miocene; dacite and Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
rhyolite/Eocene
49 Bahr-e-Aseman 29 1 0 57 25 0 I Andesite and pyroclastic/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
(continued)
391
(continued)
392

50 Baluje 38 45 15 46 38 0 I Andesite/Eocene; marbleization Porphyry Post-Pyrenean Vein Fe
51 Band-e-bagh 29 54 0 56 2 0 I Microdiorite/Oligo-Miocene; volcanics Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
and pyroclastic/Eocene
52 Band-e-mamezar 1 29 53 2 55 54 19 I Microdiorite/Oligo-Miocene; volcanics Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein Pb, Zn
53 Band-e-mamezar 2 29 54 0 55 54 9 I Granodiorite/Oligo-Miocene; volcanics Porphyry Post-Pyrenean Vein
54 Bar Kuh 34 13 40 59 44 15 I Porphyry lava and tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
55 Barghzar 38 52 0 46 45 0 I Porphyrite dacite, trachyte, and Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein Pb-Zn
ignimbrite/Eocene–Oligocene
56 Barik 33 36 46 59 24 11 I Schist, amphibolite, gneiss, and Unknown Post-Pyrenean Vein
andesite/Upper Cretaceous (?)
57 Barikab 36 16 20 49 19 0 S Andesite, sandstone, and mudstone/ Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Eocene
58 Barin 29 55 32 56 3 31 I Dacite, rhyolite, and pyroclastic/ Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Eocene
59 Barmolk 38 35 0 46 10 0 S Monzonite/Oligo-Miocene; andesite/ Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Eocene
60 Barsaei 36 47 9 49 47 9 I Trachyte, trachyandesite, and breccia Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein Zn, Pb, Mo, Ni,
tuff/Oligo-Miocene Co, Bi
61 Batu 35 17 0 57 19 0 S Shale/Jurassic Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
62 Baychebagh 36 51 59 47 17 16 S Trachyte, trachyandesite, and breccia Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein Zn, Pb, Mo, Ni,
tuff/Oligo-Miocene Co, Bi
63 Beh Abad 31 54 0 56 5 0 I Rhyolite, dacite, and andesite/Eocene; Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
diorite/Tertiary; limestone/
Mesozoic
64 Beyarjomand 36 0 16 55 53 23 I Volcanic and pyroclastic rocks/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein Pb
65 Bid Siah 28 47 0 58 0 0 I Ophiolite complex/Upper Cretaceous Unknown Post-Pyrenean Vein

66 Bidak 27 53 47 57 44 51 I Basic intrusion and metamorphic/ Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
9.1
Precambrian
67 Bidkhan 29 37 0 56 31 0 S Porphyrite quartz diorite/Oligo- Porphyry Post-Pyrenean Vein
Miocene; hornfels and volcanosedi-
mentary/Eocene
68 Bidshahi 29 40 38 56 9 20 I Andesite and tracy andesite/Eocene; Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Introduction
granite and granodiorite/Oligocene

69 Bivarzin 36 41 0 49 35 0 I Pyroxene andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
70 Bizarin 38 42 0 46 47 0 I Monzonite/Eocene; shale and Skarn Post-Pyrenean Vein Au
71 Bolboli 29 34 0 56 15 30 S Diorite/Early Eocene; andesite, tuff, Skarn Post-Pyrenean Vein
and limestone/Eocene
72 Bon Kuh 29 36 17 56 53 43 I Andesite and andesitic tuff/Eocene Porphyry Post-Pyrenean Vein
73 Bondar-e-baghu 29 56 16 55 58 20 M Porphyrite quartz diorite/Oligo- Porphyry Post-Pyrenean Vein
74 Bondar-e-hanza 29 20 0 57 15 0 S Porphyrite quartz diorite/Oligo- Porphyry(?) Post-Pyrenean Vein Zn-Pb-Au
Miocene; volcanic rocks/Eocene
75 Boragh Band Kuh 33 24 0 50 33 13 I Schist/Upper Precambrian Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
76 Borjak 35 21 0 57 52 0 S Volcanic rocks, sandstone, limestone, Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein Zn-Pb-Fe
and schist/Eocene
77 Bulagh 37 20 0 48 25 30 I Limestone, dolomite, shale/ Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Jurassic–Triassic
78 Buzan Abad 1 33 56 2 59 28 2 I Andesite, basalt/Paleogene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
81 Buzan Abad 4 33 53 35 59 24 47 I Andesite, basalt/Paleogene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein Fe
82 Buzan Abad 5 33 52 54 59 25 26 I Rhyolite, dacite, andesite/Paleogene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
83 Chah Darvish 36 18 32 56 19 53 I Andesite and tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein Au, Ag
84 Chah Dollat 28 40 30 60 41 0 I Diorite/Eocene; sandstone, limestone/ Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
unknown
(continued)
393
(continued)
394

85 Chah Farakh 35 28 39 54 18 8 I Volcanic rocks and limestone/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein Pb, Zn
86 Chah Farsakh 35 23 0 54 17 0 I Andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein Pb, Zn
87 Chah Firouzeh 30 23 38 55 1 2 S Porphyrite quartz diorite/Oligo- Porphyry Post-Pyrenean Vein Turquoise
88 Chah Gorbeh 33 25 8 53 45 0 I Schist, andesite, and tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
89 Chah Jamal 32 24 15 55 9 9 I Amphibolite and gneiss and volcanic Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
rocks/Upper Cretaceous–Lower
Tertiary
90 Chah Jireh 33 58 47 52 9 34 I Schist/Upper Precambrian Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein Pb-Zn
91 Chah Kharbozeh 33 28 51 53 47 54 I Schist/Upper Precambrian Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein Pb-Zn-Ni
92 Chah Khatab 31 50 0 53 20 0 S Basic extrusive/Tertiary; marble and Skarn Post-Pyrenean Vein
(Nadushan) schist/Jurassic
93 Chah Mileh 33 26 0 53 48 30 I Ultramafic rocks, schist and limestone/ Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein Pb-Zn-Co-Ni
Upper Proterozoic–Lower
Cambrian
94 Chah raji 30 0 50 56 46 34 I Andesite lava/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
95 Chah Shirin 35 17 49 54 9 1 S Andesite/Eocene; limestone and Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
dolomite/Cretaceous
96 Chah shur 30 13 0 55 51 30 I Porphyrite diorite/Oligo-Miocene; Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
andesite/Eocene
97 Chah Sodnow 32 16 20 55 23 41 I Shale and sandstone/Jurassic Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein W, Au, Ni, Bi
98 Chah Toni 32 13 38 58 44 58 I Andesite/Eocene–Oligocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
99 Chahak 35 21 20 60 10 40 I Porphyrite diorite/Paleogene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
100 Chahar Gonbad 29 35 30 56 11 0 L Quartz diorite/Miocene–Pliocene; Porphyry Post-Pyrenean Vein
volcanic and sedimentary rocks/
Eocene
101 Chahdust 28 40 30 60 41 0 I Porphyrite diorite/Oligo-Miocene; Porphyry Post-Pyrenean Vein
volcanics and pyroclastic/Eocene
9.1
102 Chahmesi 30 24 30 55 10 0 M Porphyrite diorite/Oligo-Miocene; Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein

porphyrite andesite and megapor-
phyrite tracy andesite/Eocene
103 Chahpalang 32 59 0 54 11 30 S Shale and sandstone/Jurassic Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein W, Au, Ni, Bi
104 Chamtal (Agha Ali) 38 42 0 46 10 50 I Granodiorite/Upper Eocene–Lower Skarn Post-Pyrenean Vein
Oligocene; limestone and
Introduction
volcanoclastic/Cretaceous
105 Chargar 36 31 0 49 10 30 I Granite/Upper Eocene–Lower Skarn Post-Pyrenean Vein Fe
Oligocene; crystalline limestone,
and Skarn/Cretaceous
106 Chari 30 31 30 56 28 0 I Sandstone, tuff, and limestone/Tertiary Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
107 Chehel kureh 30 17 0 60 8 0 S Sandstone, silt, shale, and limestone/ Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Early Eocene
108 Cherarlu 36 20 30 46 26 50 I Andesite and tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
109 Chergerd 36 26 0 49 5 0 I Andesite and tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
110 Cheshmeh Gaz 35 21 53 57 32 9 S Andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
111 Cheshmeh Khezr 1 30 18 33 55 38 59 I Volcano sedimentary rocks/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
112 Cheshmeh Khezr 2 30 19 5 55 38 26 S Volcano sedimentary rocks/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
113 Cheshmeh Khezr 3 30 19 43 55 37 58 I Andesite, basalt, and trachyandesite/ Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Upper Eocene
114 Cheshmeh Mir 35 23 10 57 38 0 I Volcanics and sedimentary/Upper Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Cretaceous
115 Cheshmeh Sefid 30 31 20 56 28 40 I Andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
116 Cheshmeh Shur 29 44 9 56 34 26 I Andesite and porphyrite lava/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
117 Chizeh 36 33 45 49 4 0 S Andesite and tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
118 Choon 35 46 1 57 23 39 I Sandstone and shale/Cretaceous Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
119 Chunt 35 48 44 57 39 10 S Porphyrite andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
120 Daghar Dagh 38 49 11 46 51 16 I Monzonite/Oligo-Miocene; andesite Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
121 Dahaneh 36 31 25 49 7 25 I Andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein Fe
(continued)
395
(continued)
396

122 Dahaneh Bonehzar 32 53 38 55 43 40 I Syenite, diorite, monzonite/Oligo- Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Miocene
123 Dahaneh Siah 35 26 10 57 27 30 I Melaphyre/Tertiary Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
124 Daman Jala 36 24 0 56 24 0 I Andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
125 Damaneh 29 12 20 57 12 0 I Porphyrite quartz diorite/Oligo- Porphyry Post-Pyrenean Vein
Miocene; andesite, trachyandesite,
and tuff/Eocene
126 Dar Alu 29 25 20 57 6 20 L Porphyrite intrusion/Oligo-Miocene; Porphyry Post-Pyrenean Vein
agglomerate and pyroclastic/
Eocene
127 Dar Bidoo 30 29 0 55 7 30 I Granodiorite and gabbro/Oligo- Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Miocene; andesite, rhyolite, and
dacite/Eocene
128 Dar Hamzeh 28 45 24 57 51 49 I Porphyrite granitoid/Oligo-Miocene; Porphyry Post-Pyrenean Vein Pyrite
andesite, trachyandesite, and
dacite/Eocene
129 Dar khomreh 28 45 0 57 51 0 I Granite/Oligo-Miocene; rhyolite and Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
dacite/Eocene
130 Darbini (Bidsorkh) 29 31 30 57 20 0 I Porphyrite diorite and quartz diorite/ Porphyry Post-Pyrenean Vein
Oligo-Miocene; andesite/Eocene
131 Darestan 35 27 0 54 36 30 S Granodiorite/Post-Eocene; breccia tuff Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
and andesite/Mid-Eocene
132 Darreh Mes 33 15 30 52 36 0 I Graphite schist/Upper Precambrian– Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein Au, Mo
Lower Cambrian
133 Darreh Zar 29 53 0 55 54 0 L Quartz microdiorite/Miocene; andesite, Porphyry Post-Pyrenean Vein Au
tuff/Eocene
134 Darreh Zereshk 31 32 0 53 55 0 L Granodiorite and porphyrite diorite/ Porphyry, skarn Post-Pyrenean Vein
Eocene–Oligocene; andesite, tuff/
135 Dasht-e-Lut 28 45 26 57 48 12 I Rhyolite and dacite/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein

136 Dasht-e-Ravan 28 51 0 58 3 30 I Rhyolite and dacite and tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
9.1
137 Dashtu 27 41 30 57 3 0 I Phyllite and schist/Jurassic Unknown Post-Pyrenean Vein

138 Dastgerd 29 57 17 56 11 56 I Dacite/Early Oligocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
139 Davayataghy 36 29 0 49 10 20 I Andesite and rhyolite/Oligo-Miocene; Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
metamorphic rocks/Precambrian
140 Deh Kalan 27 44 36 57 32 54 I Marble, phyllite, and schist/Jurassic Skarn Post-Pyrenean Vein
Introduction
141 Deh Siah Khan 29 59 0 55 58 0 I Quartz monzonite and quartz diorite/ Porphyry Post-Pyrenean Vein
Oligo-Miocene
142 Dehlarz 29 49 33 56 11 10 I Granite and granodiorite/Early Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Oligocene; volcanosedimentary
rocks/Eocene
143 Dehsiahan 1 29 59 0 55 58 20 S Quartz monzonite/Oligo-Miocene; Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
andesite/Eocene
144 Dehsiahan 2 29 59 19 56 3 11 M Volcanics/Eocene; sandstone Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
and marl/Cretaceous
145 Delichay 35 40 0 52 32 0 I Andesite and trachyandesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
146 Desk 28 58 0 58 6 20 I Granite/Oligo-Miocene; rhyolite, Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Dacite/Eocene
147 Divanehdar 36 23 0 57 43 0 I Andesite and serpentinite rocks/Upper Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein Au
Cretaceous
148 Dizehjin 36 39 30 49 5 15 S Granodiorite/Post-Eocene; andesite/ Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Eocene
149 Do zard akhtar 29 40 0 56 51 20 S Pyroclastic/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
150 Dochahu 33 20 40 54 32 0 I Red bed and evaporites/ Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Triassic–Jurassic
151 Dodahaneh 36 31 25 49 7 25 I Tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
152 Domu 33 21 48 54 43 37 I Porphyry andesite, tuff, sandstone/ Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Tertiary
153 Doroh 32 18 45 60 30 5 S Andesite and sandstone/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
154 Dowran 36 2 0 50 54 20 S Pyroclastic/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
(continued)
397
398
(continued)
155 Durkan 1 27 10 40 57 54 32 I Basaltic lava and limestone/Upper Massive sulfide Post-Pyrenean Vein
Cretaceous
Cretaceous
Cretaceous
158 Durkan 4 27 12 17 57 51 13 I Phyllite and schist/Cretaceous Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
159 East of Bajgan 27 34 53 57 34 16 I Limestone and dolomite/Cretaceous Massive sulfide Post-Pyrenean Vein
160 East of Gesh Miran 1 27 7 24 57 56 31 I Ophiolite complex/Upper Cretaceous Massive sulfide Post-Pyrenean Vein
161 East of Howz 32 21 18 58 57 46 I Tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Mohammad Hasan
162 East of Jiroft fault 27 13 38 58 0 45 I Limestone and dolomite/Cretaceous Unknown Post-Pyrenean Vein
163 East of Kakhk 32 35 21 58 52 34 I Limestone and dolomite/Cretaceous Unknown Post-Pyrenean Vein
164 East of Khorram 28 57 32 57 40 6 I Granite/Oligo-Miocene; rhyolite, Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Shahi 1 andesite, and dacite/Eocene
165 East of Kuh-e- 31 56 46 59 38 24 I Rhyolite and dacite/Tertiary Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Bidmeshk
166 East of Kuh-e- 26 47 19 58 15 52 I Granite/Mesozoic; limestone/ Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Bokikan Cretaceous
167 East of Kuh-e- 27 8 53 57 55 45 I Ophiolite complex/Upper Cretaceous Unknown Post-Pyrenean Vein
Durkhan
168 East of Kuh-e-Kalat 27 42 54 57 52 16 I Ophiolite complex and limestone/ Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Upper Cretaceous
169 East of Kuh- 30 31 45 54 57 30 I Porphyrite diorite/Oligo-Miocene; Porphyry Post-Pyrenean Vein
e-Madvar andesite/Eocene
170 East of Kutak 27 53 29 57 43 20 I Limestone and dolomite/Cretaceous Unknown Post-Pyrenean Vein
171 East of Min Abad 31 37 15 60 9 51 I Limestone, shale/Paleozoic Unknown Post-Pyrenean Vein

172 East Of Qalleh Sardar 29 24 19 58 6 34 I Granite and granodiorite/Early Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
9.1
Oligo-Miocene; porphyry andesite

and andesibasalt/Eocene
173 East of Sangoubal 37 3 16 49 6 25 I Andesite/Tertiary Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
174 Ekhvaniyeh 35 38 0 50 40 0 S Andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
175 Esmail Abad 36 30 40 49 8 20 I Andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Introduction
176 Estakhr-e-Abyari 35 14 50 60 21 20 I Andesite and tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein Pb

177 Eypak 35 38 30 50 18 0 S Lava and tuff/Tertiary Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
178 Faryab 1 27 27 8 57 2 24 Basalt/Upper Cretaceous Massive sulfide Post-Pyrenean Vein
179 Faryab 2 27 27 49 57 2 15 Basalt/Upper Cretaceous Massive sulfide Post-Pyrenean Vein
180 Faryab 3 27 28 13 57 1 57 Granite/Eocene–Oligo-Miocene; Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
tuff/Eocene
181 Fatemeh Ali Shah 33 12 0 52 47 0 I Granodiorite porphyry/Tertiary; Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
sandstone and shale/Lower
Jurassic; Dolomite/Triassic
182 Feraydoun 32 49 30 50 58 0 I Schist/Upper Precambrian Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
183 Firuz Abad 36 30 0 56 36 0 S Pyroxene andesite and volcanic Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
breccia/Eocene
184 Firuz kuh 35 52 0 52 42 0 I Volcanic rocks/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
185 Gach-e-kenom 36 12 0 56 9 0 I Basalt and andesite/Eocene; limestone, Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
shale, and sandstone/Cretaceous
186 Galeh 38 47 0 47 7 20 I Granite and andesite/Upper Eocene– Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein Mo, W, (Au)
Lower Oligocene
187 Gashulig 27 11 37 57 53 25 I Ophiolite complex and limestone/ Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Upper Cretaceous
188 Gavkhosb 36 56 0 49 30 0 I Andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
189 Gazu 33 12 20 57 23 30 S Andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
190 Gehdij 29 55 0 56 3 0 I Volcanics/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
191 Gelmandeh 32 40 0 55 27 0 I Andesite/Eocene; schist and phyllite/ Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Upper Precambrian
(continued)
399
400
(continued)
192 Gerdu Kulu 29 7 0 57 15 0 I Porphyritic granite/Oligo-Miocene; Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
volcanic and pyroclastic rocks/
Eocene
193 Gesh Kendar 27 53 47 57 43 1 I Diabase, shale, limestone/Mesozoic Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
194 Ghara Darreh 36 26 0 49 33 0 I Basic volcanic/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
195 Ghareh Darreh 38 50 48 46 21 42 I Gabbro and serpentinite/Cretaceous Volcanic Post-Pyrenean Vein
196 Ghar-e-Kaftar 33 8 51 58 26 44 I Granite porphyry/Oligo-Miocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
197 Gheshlag 36 55 0 48 50 30 S Tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
198 Gheshlagh-e-Yazdikan 38 24 0 44 47 30 I Andesite and basalt/Quaternary Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
199 Ghezal Darreh Shah 36 35 0 49 30 0 I Andesite and basalt/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Khani
200 Ghohrud (Chahak) 33 28 0 51 47 0 I Andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
201 Ghomeshlu 35 41 0 50 37 0 S Andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein Fe
202 Ghutur Souey 38 18 40 47 49 40 I Granite/Upper Eocene–Lower Skarn Post-Pyrenean Vein Au, Ag
Oligocene; limestone/Pre-Tertiary
203 Giravan 27 51 0 60 50 20 I Ophiolite complex/Upper Cretaceous Unknown Post-Pyrenean Vein
204 Golestan 34 38 30 50 24 0 I Tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
205 Golicheh 36 46 0 48 41 30 I Andesite, porphyrite trachyandesite/ Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Eocene
206 Gomush Ulan 38 35 0 46 43 0 S Granodiorite/Eocene–Oligocene; Skarn Post-Pyrenean Vein
207 Gonabad 34 26 0 58 32 20 I Granite/Jurassic, schist/Upper Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Proterozoic
208 Googhar 27 51 0 60 50 20 I Sandstone and limestone/Miocene; Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
sandstone tuff conglomerate/
Eocene
209 Gourva 34 7 31 55 2 17 I Granodiorite/Jurassic; schist and Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
210 Gowdal 38 36 49 47 9 9 S Intrusive/Upper Eocene–Lower Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
9.1
Oligocene; andesite and limestone/

Cretaceous
211 Gowdar siah 29 27 0 57 27 0 S Granite porphyry, dolerite, and basalt Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
and porphyries dyabase/
Oligo-Miocene; andesite and
Introduction
pyroxene Andesite/Eocene
212 Gowdar-e-siah 33 57 1 52 48 21 I Schist and marble/Upper Precambrian Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
213 Gowd-e-Kolvari 30 36 0 55 0 0 S Porphyrite diorite, porphyrite quartz Porphyry Post-Pyrenean Vein
diorite/Oligo-Miocene; andesite/
Eocene
214 Gowd-e-Konarak 29 55 40 55 46 20 I Conglomerate, sandstone, and Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
limestone/Miocene
215 Gud-e-Morad 33 24 37 53 31 28 S Metamorphic rocks/Upper Proterozoic Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
216 Gugher 29 29 11 56 26 17 S Andesite to trachyandesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
217 Gumush Dash 35 39 40 50 35 0 I Volcanics and sedimentary/Upper Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Cretaceous
218 Gur Ali Esmayel 29 50 40 55 53 40 I Diorite/Oligo-Miocene; andesite, tuff, Porphyry Post-Pyrenean Vein
and agglomerate/Eocene
219 Gurcheh berenj 33 50 0 54 2 0 I Limestone/Oligo-Miocene Skarn Post-Pyrenean Vein
220 Gurkhan 36 15 30 56 17 0 I Andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
221 Guruh 29 22 0 57 18 30 I Diorite and granodiorite/Oligo- Porphyry Post-Pyrenean Vein
Miocene; volcanics and pyroclas-
tic/Eocene
222 Haji koshteh 29 41 0 60 50 0 I Diorite/Oligo-Miocene; andesite, tuff, Porphyry Post-Pyrenean Vein
223 Halal Abad 36 19 0 49 23 30 I Andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
224 Hamid Abad 34 12 10 59 47 42 I Andesite, tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
225 Hamireh 35 43 0 57 12 0 I Limestone and dolomite/Lower Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Cretaceous
226 Hammami 36 26 30 56 19 0 S Volcanic rocks/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
(continued)
401
402
(continued)
227 Hanza 29 20 0 57 14 30 S Diorite/Oligo-Miocene; andesite, tuff, Porphyry Post-Pyrenean Vein
228 Hararan 29 26 0 56 45 0 S Limestone and dolomite/Cretaceous Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein Turquoise
229 Harzehvil 36 45 0 49 26 31 I Tuffaceous shale and detrital Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
tuffite(andesite)/Eocene
230 Hasan Jir 26 41 19 58 55 42 I Gabbro and diorite/Upper Cretaceous Massive sulfide Post-Pyrenean Vein
231 Hayun Bazar 29 38 54 60 54 11 I Porphyrite diorite, diorite, porphyrite Porphyry Post-Pyrenean Vein
quartz diorite, and quartz diorite/
Oligo-Miocene
232 Hendi Kandi 38 45 0 46 37 9 I Granitoid and granophyre/Upper Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein Pb-Zn
233 Hesar 36 29 0 49 9 0 I Basalt/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
234 Heydar Abad 31 1 54 56 5 26 I Limestone and shale/Cambrian Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
235 Heydar Abad 31 6 50 60 3 45 S Phyllite and schist/Upper Cretaceous– Unknown Post-Pyrenean Vein
Lower Tertiary
236 Hoseyn Abad 33 41 20 49 25 0 I Rhyolite, dacite, and tuff/Eocene; shale Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
237 Hoseyn Abad 33 8 22 53 3 11 I Andesite and tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
238 Hoseyn Abad 29 50 1 55 59 46 S Porphyrite quartz diorite and diorite/ Porphyry (?) Post-Pyrenean Vein
Oligo-Miocene; andesite, dacite,
pyroclastic, and sedimentary rocks/
Late Eocene
239 Howz-e-Dagh 33 2 11 58 22 35 I Andesite and sandstone/Paleogene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
240 Howz-e-Raeis 33 7 54 58 15 58 I Tuff and trachyandesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
241 Iju 30 33 0 54 57 20 L Porphyrite diorite and quartz diorite/ Porphyry Post-Pyrenean Vein
Oligo-Miocene
242 Ish Pash 27 45 20 59 17 0 I Limestone and dolomite/Cretaceous Unknown Post-Pyrenean Vein
243 Izoseroy 32 53 5 55 43 40 I Tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein

244 Jafary 33 32 30 54 9 0 I Metamorphic rocks and limestone/ Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
9.1
Tertiary
245 Jahan Abad 35 29 25 60 35 55 I Porphyry dacite, andesite, and tuff/ Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein Pb
Eocene
246 Jamal Abad 29 22 30 56 31 0 I Granodiorite and quartz diorite/ Porphyry Post-Pyrenean Vein Au
Oligo-Miocene; volcanosedimen-
Introduction
tary/Eocene
247 Jaru (Eshtehard) 35 41 0 50 33 25 I Andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
248 Jirandeh 36 42 57 49 48 51 I Volcanic rocks/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
249 Jirvan 27 1 35 60 42 0 I Gabbro and diorite/Mesozoic hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
250 Jonak 28 46 0 58 4 0 I Granite/Oligo-Miocene; rhyolite, Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
dacite, and andesite/Eocene
251 Juiband 38 37 9 46 58 6 I Granodiorite/Oligo-Miocene; andesite Porphyry Post-Pyrenean Vein Fe-Pb-Zn
and tuff/Upper Cretaceous–Middle
Eocene; volcanosedimentary/
Eocene
252 Junas 27 24 28 57 41 56 I Limestone and dolomite/Cretaceous Unknown Post-Pyrenean Vein
253 Jushin 29 4 5 57 37 30 I Andesitic lava/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
254 Kaboutar Kuh 34 7 42 58 54 56 I Limestone and dolomite/Jurassic Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
255 Kader 30 37 57 54 45 38 S Porphyrite diorite/Miocene; volcanic Porphyry Post-Pyrenean Vein
rocks/Eocene
256 Kahnouj 30 12 50 55 42 2 I Limestone and sandstone/Mid-Eocene; Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
andesite, basalt/Upper Eocene
257 Kajeh 1 34 10 35 57 44 40 I Rhyolite, dacite, and green tuff/ Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Paleogene
258 Kajeh 2 34 9 22 57 47 5 I Granite/Eocene; andesite, basalt/ Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Paleogene
259 Kakhk 34 8 23 58 38 48 I Shale/Jurassic Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
260 Kal Kolhie 30 18 55 59 52 20 I Sedimentary rocks/Upper Jurassic Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
261 Kalarud 36 48 0 48 29 30 I Porphyrite diorite and granodiorite/ Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Upper Eocene–Lower Oligocene
(continued)
403
(continued)
404

262 Kalateh Ahani 34 6 0 58 50 0 I Andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
263 Kalat-e-Rajab 32 9 44 60 3 11 I Gabbro and diorite/Upper Cretaceous Massive sulfide Post-Pyrenean Vein
264 Kalut 35 21 5 54 13 42 S Granite and granodiorite/Oligo- Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein Pb-Zn
dacite, and rhyodacite/Eocene
265 Kalut Boland 35 19 39 54 17 52 S Granite/Oligo-Miocene; andesite and Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
tuff/Eocene
266 Kalutechah (Anarak) 33 1 0 55 22 30 I Quartzite/Upper Cretaceous–Lower Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Paleocene
267 Kamadurn (Sardab) 29 10 30 57 10 30 I Granite/Oligo-Miocene; rhyolite and Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
dacite/Eocene
268 Kan Mes 33 24 13 53 33 9 S Andesite/Eocene; limestone/Cretaceous Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
269 Kanif 1 32 25 24 60 19 8 I Shale and sandstone/Triassic–Jurassic Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein Au
270 Kanif 2 32 26 53 60 18 2 I Dolomite and limestone/Upper Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Devonian–Lower Carboniferous
271 Karreh 28 42 20 58 12 0 I Granite/Oligo-Miocene; rhyolite, Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
dacite/Eocene
272 Kazgoon 33 22 58 60 0 48 I Metavolcanic and marble/Upper Skarn Post-Pyrenean Vein Pb, Au
Precambrian
273 Kbir Kuh-e-Bozorg 34 15 41 59 40 51 I Rhyolite and dacite/Tertiary Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
274 Keyghal 38 37 0 46 41 44 I Microdiorite, diorite, and granodiorite/ Porphyry Post-Pyrenean Vein
Upper Eocene; andesitic tuff and
pyroxene andesite and quartz
andesite/Upper Cretaceous
to Mid-Eocene
275 Khalat Abad 34 15 24 59 40 57 I Limestone/Cretaceous Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
276 Khalifehlu 36 17 0 49 14 0 S Andesite/Tertiary Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
277 Khaliran 32 46 22 59 1 36 I Schist, marble, and quartzite/ Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Precambrian
278 Khalkhal 37 27 25 48 26 0 I Tuff/Miocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
9.1
279 Khaneghah 31 2 0 51 18 0 S Porphyrite Granodiorite/Oligo- Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein

Miocene; limestone, shale, and
quartzite/Triassic–Jurassic
280 Khanuk 30 44 0 56 46 30 I Porphyrite diorite and quartz diorite/ Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Miocene
Introduction
281 Kharaghan 35 27 30 49 49 10 I Dolomite and limestone/Cretaceous Skarn Post-Pyrenean Vein

282 Kharanjoo 37 19 0 46 31 30 I Andesite, pyroclastic/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
283 Kharvanagh 38 32 30 46 15 30 I Granodiorite/Oligo-Miocene; Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
sedimentary rocks/Paleocene
284 Khatibi 33 34 9 59 45 39 I Volcanics and intrusive/Jurassic Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
285 Kheibar Kuh- 34 13 47 59 42 31 I Shale/Lower Paleozoic; acidic to basic Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
e-Bozorg 1 tuff/Eocene
286 Kheibar Kuh- 34 17 10 59 42 13 I Granite/Eocene; shale, sandstone/ Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
e-Bozorg 2 Paleogene
287 Kheibar Kuh-e- 34 10 40 59 42 23 I Dacite, andesite, basalt, pyroclastic/ Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Kuchak Paleogene
288 Kheyr Abad 26 42 42 59 26 0 I Dolomite and limestone/Cretaceous Unknown Post-Pyrenean Vein
289 Khonindizaj 38 40 32 46 47 0 I Andesite/Tertiary (Eocene) Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
290 Khoshumi 32 24 13 55 9 13 S Syenite, diorite, and monzonite/ Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Oligo-Miocene
291 Khouresht 36 13 55 49 41 0 I Volcanic rocks/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
292 Khut 31 53 0 53 42 30 S Granite/Oligo-Miocene; volcanic rocks/ Porphyry Post-Pyrenean Vein
Eocene
293 Kol-e-firuzeh 33 40 5 57 17 36 I Andesite and tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
294 Komeri 38 7 0 48 41 30 I Granite/Tertiary; limestone/Cretaceous Skarn Post-Pyrenean Vein Fe
295 Konchirud 33 22 0 54 44 0 I Conglomerate/Oligocene Unknown Post-Pyrenean Vein
296 Koppeh Halval 33 46 59 53 32 52 S Andesite, diorite, and microdiorite/ Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Lower Eocene; carbonate rocks/ and Skarn
Cretaceous
(continued)
405
406
(continued)
297 Kordkandy 36 51 0 48 27 30 S Granite/Upper Eocene–Lower Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein Mo, W, Zn,
Oligocene Pb, Ag, Bi,
Fe, Au
298 Koroied Paien 30 1 50 56 46 36 I Andesite, rhyolite, dacite, Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
and tuff/Eocene
299 Kuh Firouzeh 33 33 40 57 15 40 I Limestone and conglomerate/Lower Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Paleogene
300 Kuh Panj 29 51 49 56 4 17 S Granodiorite and quartz diorite/ Porphyry Post-Pyrenean Vein
Oligo-Miocene; andesite,
pyroclastic, breccia, and
conglomerate/Eocene
301 Kuh Zar (Baghu) 35 26 30 54 38 45 S Granodiorite/Upper Eocene; volcanics/ Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein Au, Turquoise
Mid-Eocene
302 Kuh-e-Abdol Abad 35 18 5 60 14 25 I Rhyolite, dacite, and tuff/Tertiary Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
303 Kuh-e-Bakhazar 34 27 38 60 27 23 I Andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
304 Kuh-e-Dom II 33 55 24 55 51 57 I Granitoid/Upper Eocene; carbonate Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
rocks/Cretaceous and Skarn
305 Kuh-e-Dom IV 33 55 40 52 50 0 I Limestone and conglomerate/Lower Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Paleogene
306 Kuh-e-Durkhan 27 9 28 57 54 11 I Ophiolite complex/Upper Cretaceous Unknown Post-Pyrenean Vein
307 Kuh-e-Hajin 30 2 9 56 6 43 I Porphyrite diorite/Upper Porphyry Post-Pyrenean Vein
Miocene–Pliocene
308 Kuh-e-Hanza 1 29 19 43 57 12 30 I Granodiorite, porphyrite granodiorite Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
and porphyrite diorite/Oligo-
Miocene; andesite, andesibasalt,
and pyroclastic/Mid-Eocene
309 Kuh-e-Hanza 2 29 24 3 57 8 35 I Granite, granodiorite, and diorite/ Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Oligo-Miocene; volcanics/Eocene
310 Kuh-e-Hayan Jam 35 4 30 60 18 30 I Andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein

311 Kuh-e-Jaj 32 25 20 60 21 45 I Granite/Tertiary; metamorphic rocks/ Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
9.1
312 Kuh-e-Jana 1 31 13 2 60 20 55 I Limestone dolomite/Cretaceous Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
313 Kuh-e-Janja 2 31 12 58 6 21 47 I Porphyrite hornblend Granite/ Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Oligocene; volcanic, pyroclastic,
Introduction
314 Kuh-e-Kalat 27 42 8 57 52 39 I Ophiolite complex/Upper Cretaceous Unknown Post-Pyrenean Vein

315 Kuh-e-Kamar Sabz 34 56 23 60 29 1 I Andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
316 Kuh-e-Kamarkhid 34 5 49 58 40 16 I Shale and sandstone/Jurassic Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
317 Kuh-e-Lar 1 29 42 32 60 59 24 I Intrusive/Tertiary; carbonate rocks Skarn Post-Pyrenean Vein
and filish/Paleocene
318 Kuh-e-Lar 2 29 43 27 60 53 46 I Porphyry granodiorite/Oligo-Miocene; Porphyryl Post-Pyrenean Vein
dacite and pyroclastic/Eocene
319 Kuh-e-Maadan 28 33 30 58 0 0 I Andesite, dacite, and tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
320 Kuh-e-Malou 35 18 20 61 2 50 I Intermediate lava and pyroclastic/ Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Eocene
321 Kuh-e-masahim 30 22 58 55 11 24 I Porphyrite quartz diorite/Oligo- Porphyry Post-Pyrenean Vein
Miocene; andesite/Pliocene
322 Kuh-e-Neybid 34 10 35 59 42 33 I Andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
323 Kuh-e-Pasakuh 34 58 22 59 58 3 I Limestone and volcanics/Cretaceous Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
324 Kuh-e-Rouz 33 23 42 54 54 25 S Andesite and tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
325 Kuh-e-Rud 33 39 0 51 25 0 I Andesite/Tertiary Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
326 Kuh-e-Sangmes 33 11 0 52 45 20 S Quartzite and phyllite/Precambrian Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
327 Kuh-e-SangSiah 29 40 0 56 51 30 I Tuff and breccia/Miocene; dacite and Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
dasitic tuff/Eocene
328 Kuh-e-sarhangi 34 50 0 57 16 0 S Sandstone, limestone, and dolomite/ Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Upper Paleozoic
329 Kuh-e-Sefid 31 51 36 60 13 20 I Andesite to basalt/Oligo-Miocene; Unknown Post-Pyrenean Vein
alkali-rich tuff/Eocene
330 Kuh-e-Sefid Donbeh 32 54 19 55 24 8 I Syenite, diorite, and monzonite/ Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Tertiary; volcanics/Eocene
(continued)
407
408
(continued)
331 Kuh-e-Shotoran 34 18 55 58 59 11 I Granite/Tertiary Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
332 Kuh-e-Siah Targi 30 35 7 60 27 42 I Andesite/Eocene; sedimentary rocks/ Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Paleogene
333 Kuh-e-Sorkheh 31 56 37 58 43 28 I Phyllite and schist/Jurassic Unknown Post-Pyrenean Vein
334 Kuh-e-Spid Kanarun 27 18 6 57 21 35 I Ophiolite complex/Upper Cretaceous Unknown Post-Pyrenean Vein
335 Kuh-e-Tak Khord 34 18 38 59 37 40 I Granite/Eocene; andesite and basalt/ Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Paleogene
336 Kuh-e-Taleb 34 29 13 60 29 21 I Granite/Tertiary; limestone/Triassic Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
337 Kuh-e-Yalan 31 5 59 59 33 14 I Shale and limestone/Cretaceous; Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
dolomite/Jurassic; dolomite,
limestone, and sandstone/
Precambrian
338 Kuh-e-Zolfaghar 35 21 15 61 9 20 I Andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
339 Kuhian 36 46 30 48 52 0 I Trachyandesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein Fe
340 Lab-e-Kal 36 27 50 56 32 0 I Volcanics/Tertiary Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
341 Laibid 33 27 13 50 40 2 I Porphyrite trachyandesite, basalt/Lower Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein Ni, Co
Eocene
342 Lalehzar F3 29 24 0 56 53 30 S Granodiorite/Oligo-Miocene; Porphyry Post-Pyrenean Vein
volcanics/Eocene
343 Lalehzar F4 29 22 0 56 47 30 S Granite/Oligo-Miocene; rhyolite, Porphyry Post-Pyrenean Vein
dacite, and tuff/Eocene
344 Lar 29 41 21 60 53 36 S Intrusive/Tertiary; carbonate rocks and Porphyry Post-Pyrenean Vein Au, Mo
filish/Paleocene
345 Laymordeh 26 32 14 58 40 23 I Basaltic lava/Upper Cretaceous Volcano- Post-Pyrenean Vein
sedimentary
346 Limiar 36 23 20 50 18 0 I Volcanics/Tertiary Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
347 Lubin Zardeh 36 41 0 49 6 0 I Andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
348 Maadan (Karun Rud) 31 43 20 50 53 0 I Basic extrusive/Oligo-Miocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein

349 Maadan-e-Bozorg 36 25 0 56 27 0 S Andesite and serpentine/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
9.1
350 Maadan-e-Rughani 31 15 49 59 13 25 I Shale, limestone, and dolomite/Lower Volcano- Post-Pyrenean Vein

Cretaceous sedimentary
351 Madgh Kahriz 31 10 26 60 20 16 I Volcanoclastics sedimentary and Massive sulfide Post-Pyrenean Vein
pyroclastic/Cretaceous
352 Mahallati 27 10 49 58 2 12 I Sedimentary rocks/Paleozoic Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Introduction
353 Mahdi Abad 31 30 30 55 10 0 S Phyllite and schist/Upper Cretaceous– Unknown Post-Pyrenean Vein
Lower Tertiary
354 Mahgalui 27 45 30 59 42 40 I Ophiolite complex/Upper Cretaceous Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
355 Mahmud Abad 38 45 40 46 48 29 I Andesite and subvolcanic/Eocene– Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein Pb, Zn, Au, Ag
Oligocene; limestone and shale/
Cretaceous
356 Mahrud 32 11 13 60 47 24 I Dolomite and limestone/Upper Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Devonian–Lower Carboniferous
357 Makki 26 57 19 60 47 42 S Basaltic, andesite, and spilite from Massive sulfide Post-Pyrenean Vein
ophiolite complex/Upper
Cretaceous
358 Malek Gori 30 34 16 60 37 50 I Trachyandesite and pyroxene andesite/ Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Eocene
359 Mardanal (Mardan 38 50 0 46 33 0 S Porphyrite granodiorite/Eocene– Vein Post-Pyrenean Vein Fe
Qom) Oligocene; volcanoclastics
sedimentary/Cretaceous to Eocene
360 Mary 37 0 20 48 28 30 I Andesite and tuff/Paleogene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein Pb, Fe
361 Mashar Tighdar 31 6 6 60 30 43 I Granite and granodiorite/Oligo- Porphyry Post-Pyrenean Vein
Miocene; sandstone, siltstone,
and limestone
362 Mazraeh 38 39 0 47 4 0 M Monzonite to granite/Eocene– Skarn Post-Pyrenean Vein Fe, Au
Oligocene; tuff, and ignimbrite/
Eocene; limestone/Upper
Cretaceous
363 Mazraeh sadat 30 26 30 55 35 0 I Porphyrite diorite/Mid- to Upper Porphyry Post-Pyrenean Vein
Miocene
(continued)
409
410
(continued)
364 Mazraehmirha 32 26 0 54 16 0 I Shale and sandstone/ Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
365 Mazraeh-ye-Haji 32 32 52 47 2 30 I Amphibolite and gneiss/Precambrian Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Hassan
366 Mesgar (Mazagar) 38 49 0 46 44 0 I Monzonite/Oligo-Miocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
367 Meskani 33 19 0 53 28 0 M Trachyandesite and basalt/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
368 Meyduk (Lachah) 30 25 0 55 10 0 L Porphyrite diorite/Miocene; andesite/ Porphyry Post-Pyrenean Vein Mo, Au
Eocene
369 Milsefid and 31 57 0 53 44 0 I Intermediate intrusive/Tertiary; Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
mohammadabad limestone and dolomite/Permian
370 Mir Hoseyn 36 20 30 57 41 30 I Dacite/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
371 Mirkhash 33 7 50 58 16 0 I Andesite/Eocene; limestone/Cretaceous Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
372 Moein Abad 33 21 21 60 6 21 I Metavolcanic and marble/Upper Skarn Post-Pyrenean Vein Fe
Proterozoic
373 Mogh Mohammad 27 22 50 57 45 54 I Gabbro and diorite/Mesozoic; ophiolite Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
complex and limestone/Upper
Cretaceous
374 Moghestan 32 35 49 55 12 4 I Porphyrite andesite and tuff/Unknown Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
375 Mohammad Abad 27 54 52 57 53 7 I Phyllite and schist/Upper Cretaceous– Unknown Post-Pyrenean Vein
Lower Tertiary
376 Morghak-e-Bam 29 9 50 57 20 30 S Porphyrite andesite/Paleogene porphyry Post-Pyrenean Vein
377 Mour 33 7 50 60 34 28 I Limestone/Jurassic Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
378 Naft Abad 33 2 0 59 52 0 I Granite/Tertiary; limestone/Cretaceous Skarn Post-Pyrenean Vein
379 Nahroo (Joze) 30 32 40 54 44 25 I Andesite and tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
380 Najm Abad 34 12 26 58 51 4 I Rhyolite and dacite/Eocene Limestone Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
381 Namesh 29 16 15 57 21 0 I Pyroxene andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
382 Naran 29 12 0 57 8 0 I Andesite and pyroclastic/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein

383 Narbulaghi 32 45 30 55 45 30 I Limestone and dolomite/ Unknown Post-Pyrenean Vein
9.1
Triassic–Cretaceous
384 Narp Allah Abad 29 42 0 56 39 0 I Porphyry quartz/Oligo-Miocene; Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
volcanosedimentary rocks/Eocene
385 Nasr 35 31 0 59 29 0 I Andesite and tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
386 Nasr Abad 31 45 58 53 52 0 S Rhyolite and dacite/Tertiary Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Introduction
387 Nehbandan 31 32 21 60 9 23 I Andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein

388 Neyshabur 36 29 40 58 23 0 I Pyroxene andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
389 Nish Tafoun 34 27 30 60 2 50 I Granite and limestone/Jurassic Skarn Post-Pyrenean Vein
390 Norhwest of Kuh- 27 49 25 57 24 24 I Ophiolite complex/Upper Cretaceous Unknown Post-Pyrenean Vein
e-Mishbadam
391 North East Of 32 21 32 58 58 5 I Diabase/Upper Cretaceous Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Ghaem Abad
392 North East Of 27 9 6 57 55 45 I Basaltic pillow lava and limestone/ Massive sulfide Post-Pyrenean Vein
Gheshmiran Cretaceous
393 North East Of Hedar 31 8 18 60 8 54 I Volcanoclastics sedimentary and Massive sulfide Post-Pyrenean Vein
Abad pyroclastic/Cretaceous
394 North East Of Kalateh 32 18 8 59 50 6 I Gabbro and diorite/Upper Cretaceous Massive sulfide Post-Pyrenean Vein
Mir
395 North East Of 28 58 30 57 44 10 I Microgranite and microgranodiorite/ Porphyry Post-Pyrenean Vein
Khoramshahi Oligocene
396 North East Of Tahrud 29 21 8 58 12 41 I Dacite and rhyolite and pyroclastic/ Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Eocene
397 North of Asad Abad 32 58 41 60 10 18 I Basalt/Tertiary; ophiolite complex/ Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Cretaceous
398 North of Bad 27 37 54 57 12 34 I Phyllite and schist/Cretaceous Unknown Post-Pyrenean Vein
Afshan-e-Bala
399 North Of Bagh 29 16 21 58 16 51 I Dacite and rhyolite and pyroclastic/ Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Chamak Eocene
400 North of Chahar 29 45 34 56 18 45 I Granite/Oligo-Miocene; rhyolite, Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Gonbad dacite/Eocene
(continued)
411
(continued)
412

401 North of 36 19 0 56 16 0 I Basalt/Eocene; limestone, shale, and Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Choghondarsar sandstone/Cretaceous
Shomali
402 North Of Darzin 29 18 55 58 9 44 I Dacite and rhyolite and pyroclastic/ Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Eocene
403 North of Deh Kahan 1 27 43 47 57 31 4 I Phyllite and schist/Jurassic Unknown Post-Pyrenean Vein
404 North Of Deh Kahan 2 27 44 27 57 31 4 I Phyllite and schist/Cretaceous Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
405 North Of Deh Kahan 3 27 44 52 57 32 17 I Basalt/Upper Cretaceous Massive sulfide Post-Pyrenean Vein
406 North of Espily 36 57 33 49 52 54 I Trachyandesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
407 North of Kal-e-Sorkh 35 22 5 58 40 21 I Andesite and tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
408 North of Khounik 33 33 31 59 10 21 I Andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
409 North Of Kuh-e- 35 18 8 58 51 16 I Granite and granodiorite/Tertiary; Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Azghand 1 andesite and tuff/Eocene
410 North Of Kuh-e- 35 19 46 58 48 37 I Granite and granodiorite/Tertiary; Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Azghand 2 andesite and tuff/Eocene
411 North of Kuh-e- 29 37 1 56 30 46 I Tuff and andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Bidkhan
412 North of Kuh-e- 29 48 14 56 20 56 I Andesite and rhyolite/Eocene; granite Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Cheheltan and granodiorite/Triassic–Jurassic
413 North of Kuh-e-K 30 1 46 56 46 34 I Tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
alleh Gav
414 North of Kuh-e- 29 26 29 56 41 56 I Granite/Oligo-Miocene; rhyolite and Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Lalehzar dacite/Eocene
415 North of Kuh-e- 27 26 44 57 27 59 I Limestone and dolomite/Cretaceous Unknown Post-Pyrenean Vein
Movlai
416 North of Ramun 29 3 50 57 29 11 I Diorite and volcanosedimentary/ Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Oligo-Miocene; volcanics and
pyroclastics/Eocene
417 North of Rud-e-Jamali 32 29 10 59 30 58 I Tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein

418 North of Sabzevaran 28 47 34 57 48 26 I Granite/Oligo-Miocene; andesite Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
9.1
and tuff/Eocene
419 North of Sorkh Kuh 33 17 58 58 24 6 I Rhyolite and dacite and tuff/Eocene; Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
shale and dolomite/Cretaceous
420 Northeast of Asfaran 36 18 47 50 35 49 I Ophiolite complex/Upper Paleozoic– Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Lower Mesozoic
Introduction
421 Northeast of 36 18 20 56 17 0 I Basalt and tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein

Choghondarsar
Shomali
422 Northeast of 30 1 43 56 51 16 I Tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Godar-e-Sangbor
423 Northeast of Kakhk 32 36 49 58 56 10 I Andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
424 Northeast of 35 22 30 58 42 14 I Granite and granodiorite/Post-Eocene; Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Kal-e-Sorkh andesite and tuff/Eocene
425 Northeast of 27 11 12 57 52 7 I Ophiolite complex/Upper Cretaceous Unknown Post-Pyrenean Vein
Kuh-e-Durkhan
426 Northeast of 27 5 1 58 6 40 I Ophiolite complex/Upper Cretaceous Unknown Post-Pyrenean Vein
Kuh-e-Kam Sefid
427 Northeast of 35 21 49 58 46 40 I Andesite and tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Kuh-e-Sar Sefidal
428 Northeast of 30 14 27 54 56 52 I Granite/Oligo-Miocene; rhyolite and Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Namakzar dacite/Eocene
429 Northern Cheheltan 29 51 30 56 24 0 I Diorite and volcanosedimentary/ Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Oligo-Miocene; volcanics and
pyroclastics/Eocene
430 Northwest of Chahar 29 38 6 56 5 56 I Granite/Oligo-Miocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Gonbad
431 Northwest of 26 45 0 58 24 53 I Ophiolite complex and limestone/ Unknown Post-Pyrenean Vein
Kuh-e-Bokikan Upper Cretaceous
432 Northwest of 26 40 0 58 44 23 I Gabbro and diorite/Cretaceous Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Kuh-e-Jeyran
(continued)
413
414
(continued)
433 Northwest of Sar 32 21 18 58 52 40 I Syenite, diorite, monzonite/Tertiary Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Chah Shur
434 Northwest of 30 15 8 55 26 5 I Andesite and pyroclastic/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Shahr-e-Babak
435 Northwest of Zabl 27 27 46 57 2 39 S Biotite granite/Unknown Skarn Post-Pyrenean Vein
436 Northwest of Zahedan 29 33 8 60 31 23 I Rhyodacite, andesite hornfels/ Porphyry Post-Pyrenean Vein %46 Cu
Post-Eocene
437 Now Darreh 36 20 0 59 27 0 I Volcanics and sedimentary rocks/ Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Eocene
438 Nowbahar 35 2 8 60 19 30 I Volcanics and sedimentary rocks/Upper Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Cretaceous
439 Nowchun 29 55 40 55 51 15 L Granite, porphyry diorite, and Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Rhyodacite/Oligo-Miocene;
andesite and pyroclastic/Eocene
440 Nowdeh 35 43 0 57 15 0 I Limestone and dolomite/Jurassic Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
441 Padeh 35 29 15 61 4 50 I Andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein Zn, Pb, Au
442 Pakoo 33 10 40 53 1 21 I Schist/Upper Precambrian Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein Ni, Sb
443 Palangi 30 18 33 55 38 59 M Porphyry diorite/Early Eocene Porphyry Post-Pyrenean Vein
444 Pariz 29 52 10 55 47 0 I Andesite, tuff, and agglomerate/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
445 Parsan 29 59 20 56 10 0 I Granodiorite and diorite/Oligo- Porphyry Post-Pyrenean Vein
446 Pas Qaleh 35 50 0 51 30 0 I Andesite, trachyandesite, and tuff/ Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Pb, Au
Eocene
447 Patiyar 33 19 57 53 47 23 S Limestone and dolomite/Cretaceous Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
448 Pay Negin 29 20 0 56 54 0 S Granodiorite/Oligo-Miocene; Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
volcanics/Eocene
449 Pey Godar-e-Sorkh 32 30 30 60 20 0 I Metamorphosed limestone, quartzite Hydrothermal Late Cimmerian Vein
and schist/Jurassic
450 Pinavand 33 5 0 52 0 0 I Granodiorite to diorite porphyry and Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Zn, Pb,
9.1
volcanite pyroclastite/Eocene
451 Piran 29 57 0 55 51 28 S Volcanics and pyroclastics/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
452 Pirouzy 33 34 17 54 4 0 I Limestone and dolomite/Cretaceous Hydrothermal Laramide Vein
453 Piruzaki (Bazman) 27 50 40 59 54 30 S Ophiolite complex/Upper Cretaceous Unknown Laramide Vein
454 Pish Kuh 34 7 17 55 4 8 I Granite limestone/Jurassic Skarn Late Cimmerian Vein
Introduction
455 Posht Kam 27 37 18 57 13 28 I Ophiolite complex/Upper Cretaceous Unknown Laramide Vein

456 Poshteh 34 41 3 60 21 15 I Phyllite and schist/Jurassic Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
457 Prayjan 36 16 21 50 56 0 S Volcanosedimentary rocks/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
458 Qaleh Arab 32 36 0 51 6 0 S Ophiolite complex/Cretaceous Unknown Unknown Vein
459 Qaleh Asgar 29 28 0 56 41 20 I Andesite and pyroclastic/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
460 Qaleh Gazik 36 14 30 56 8 0 I Sandstone and limestone/Upper Hydrothermal Late Cimmerian Vein
Paleozoic–Lower Jurassic
461 Qaleh Narp 29 42 0 56 41 30 I Microdiorite, andesite, pyroclastic, Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
sandstone, and conglomerate/Upper
Eocene
462 Qaleh Now 33 44 30 49 58 0 I Tonalite/Post-Miocene; limestone/ Skarn Post-Pyrenean Vein Co
Oligo-Miocene
463 Qaleh Sorb 29 42 0 56 41 30 S Granite/Oligo-Miocene; rhyolite and Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
dacite/Eocene
464 Qaleh Zangian 27 47 8 57 29 51 I Ophiolite complex/Cretaceous Unknown Unknown Vein
465 Qaleh Zari 31 49 43 58 55 15 M Andesite, dacite, and basalt/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
466 Qamsar 33 45 0 51 23 0 I Tonalite/Post-Miocene; limestone/ Skarn Post-Pyrenean Vein
Oligo-Miocene
467 Qanat Darreh 29 12 43 57 15 26 I Volcanics and pyroclastics/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
468 Qanat-e-Marvan 29 20 0 56 46 30 I Sandstone and shale/Paleocene Unknown Unknown Vein
469 Qayen 33 53 10 59 25 39 I Limestone/Lower Cretaceous Hydrothermal Late Cimmerian Vein
470 Qebleh 33 28 13 53 26 13 S Andesite and tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
471 Qolleha 31 24 0 59 20 30 I Limestone with phyllitic Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
intercalate/Jurassic
(continued)
415
(continued)
416

472 Rashid Abad 28 58 5 57 39 40 I Granodiorite, quartz diorite, and diorite Porphyry Post-Pyrenean Vein
porphyry/Oligo-Miocene; volcanite
and pyroclastite/Eocene
473 Rashid Abad 33 9 46 58 21 42 I Ultramafic rocks/Upper Precambrian Epithermal Pan-African Vein
474 Rashidabad 37 5 11 48 22 49 S Andesite and rhyodacite/ Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Ni, Au.Ag
Eocene–Oligocene
475 Rashkan 26 51 0 59 36 0 I Ophiolite complex and limestone/ Unknown Unknown Vein Zn, Pb
Upper Cretaceous
476 Rasur 33 23 30 53 43 20 I Ultramafic rocks/Upper Precambrian Epithermal Pan-African Vein
477 Razan (Mazraeh) 35 27 0 49 11 0 S Rhyolite, dacite, and tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
478 Razgah 38 5 10 47 20 10 I Granite/Eocene; tuff and limestone/ Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Fe
Cretaceous
479 Razi Abad Madin 28 58 0 57 41 10 I Granodiorite/Oligo-Miocene; rhyolite, Porphyry Post-Pyrenean Vein
480 Remeshk 1 26 45 32 58 37 39 I Ophiolite complex and limestone/ Unknown Unknown Vein
Upper Cretaceous
481 Remeshk 2 26 49 11 58 37 2 I Ophiolite complex and limestone/ Unknown Unknown Vein
Upper Cretaceous
482 Revesht 33 43 0 49 10 0 I Granite/Jurassic Hydrothermal Mid-Cimmerian Vein
483 Rigane Bam 28 13 49 58 47 26 I Sedimentary/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
484 Robat-e-Kureh 35 3 35 60 18 10 I Andesite and basalt/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
485 Roniz (Kohneh mes) 29 22 0 53 39 0 I Andesite and pyroclastic/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
486 Rudab 28 43 0 58 7 15 I Tuff and pyroclastic/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
487 Rud-e-shalang 29 38 0 56 6 30 S Andesite, pyroclastic, and limestone/ Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Eocene
488 Rud-e-tangu 29 39 30 56 8 30 S Granodiorite/Oligo-Miocene; andesite Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
basalt with tuff/Eocene
489 Rughareh Chah 35 54 0 55 47 30 I Rhyolite, dacite, and tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
(Chah Maadan)
490 Sahl Abad 32 18 22 59 54 56 I Schist and phyllite/Precambrian Hydrothermal Pan-African Vein
9.1
491 Sahlegu 33 25 0 53 25 58 I Limestone/Cretaceous; shale/Jurassic Epithermal Late Cimmerian Vein

492 Saleh Dareh 38 39 32 46 56 20 I Monzonite/Oligo-Miocene; andesite/ Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Eocene
493 Sang Siani 26 46 37 58 27 51 I Volcanics/Mesozoic Unknown Unknown Vein
494 Sang-e-Asq 29 28 0 57 8 0 I Shale and pyroclastic/Paleogene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
Introduction
495 Sang-e-siyat 29 40 40 56 46 30 I Porphyrite diorite/Oligo-Miocene Porphyry Post-Pyrenean Vein

496 Sanjedeh 35 9 50 60 19 45 I Granite/Oligo-Miocene; andesite and Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein Fe
tuff/Eocene
497 Sar Lakhlu 38 18 40 47 22 30 I Porphyrite monzonite/Oligo-Miocene; Porphyry Post-Pyrenean Vein Zn-Pb, Ag, Mo
andesite, tuff, and limestone/
Paleocene–Eocene
498 Sar Shirin 35 20 0 54 15 0 I Andesite and volcanic rocks/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
499 Sara 30 26 40 55 8 20 S Porphyrite quartz diorite/Oligo- Porphyry Post-Pyrenean Vein
500 Sarbala 32 51 30 55 44 30 I Andesitic to dacitic lava and tuff/ Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
Paleogene
501 Sarband 36 48 0 54 59 0 I Monzonite/Eocene–Oligocene; Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
volcanoclastic/Eocene
502 Sar-cheshmeh 29 56 40 55 52 20 L Granodiorite/Oligo-Miocene; andesite/ Porphyry Post-Pyrenean Vein
Eocene
503 Sarduiyeh 29 12 9 57 16 33 I Porphyrite diorite/Oligo-Miocene; Porphyry Post-Pyrenean Vein
andesite and pyroclastic/Eocene
504 Sar-e-bagh 29 59 3 56 3 4 S Granodiorite, porphyrite granodiorite, Porphyry Post-Pyrenean Vein %0.46 Cu
and porphyrite quartz diorite/
Oligo-Miocene; porphyrite
andesite, tuffy sandstone/Eocene
505 Sar-e-Godarsorkh 33 19 0 54 57 0 I Conglomerate/Paleocene; schist and Hydrothermal Laramide Vein Ni, Co, Pb, Zn
serpentinite/Upper Cretaceous
(continued)
417
(continued)
418

506 Sar-e-kuh 29 55 50 55 46 0 L Granodiorite, porphyrite granodiorite, Porphyry Post-Pyrenean Vein
and porphyrite quartz diorite/
Oligo-Miocene; volcanosedimen-
tary rocks/Eocene
507 Sargowd 29 10 0 57 13 30 I Porphyrite quartz diorite/Oligo- Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Disseminated
508 Sarkavir-e-Semnan 35 21 8 54 12 33 S Granodiorite/Oligo-Miocene; andesite Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
(Sarkalateh and pyroclastics/Eocene
Mehran 1)
509 Sarkavir-e-Semnan 35 21 38 54 11 13 S Granodiorite/Oligo-Miocene; andesite Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
(Sarkalateh and pyroclastics/Eocene
Mehran 2)
510 Sarmeshk 29 24 25 57 9 30 S Granodiorite/Oligo-Miocene; Porphyry Post-Pyrenean Disseminated
pyroclastics/Eocene
511 Sarzen 27 17 18 57 47 18 I Peridotite and serpentinite/Upper Unknown Unknown Unknown
Cretaceous
512 Sebarz 33 22 0 53 36 0 S Porphyritic lava and tuff/Tertiary Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
513 Segheynow 30 29 0 54 59 30 S Porphyrite diorite/Oligo-Miocene; Porphyry Post-Pyrenean Disseminated
andesite/Eocene
514 Sehchangi 32 32 0 58 3 0 S Ophiolitic complex/Cretaceous Hydrothermal Laramide Unknown
515 Senj (Doorvan) 36 2 0 50 54 20 S Porphyrite andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
516 Senjedeh 37 20 0 48 13 40 I Andesite and tuffaceous sandstone/ Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Pb, Zn, Ag
Eocene
517 Senjedu 33 10 30 52 50 0 I Limestone and dolomite/Cretaceous Hydrothermal Laramide Vein
518 Seridun-e-shomali 29 56 40 55 54 0 I Andesite and dacite/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein, disseminated
519 Seyed Mohammad 35 2 25 60 25 15 I Andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Veinlet
520 Shah Ali Beiglu 37 22 0 48 8 0 I Intrusion and volcanic rocks/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
521 Shahmil 37 3 0 48 4 0 I Andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
522 Shalang 29 37 54 56 4 26 I Andesite and dacite/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein, disseminated

523 Shams Abad 33 48 0 49 43 40 I Tuffaceous–sedimentary/Mid–Upper Hydrothermal Pyrenean Stratiformbed
9.1
Eocene
524 Shams Abad II 33 25 52 53 25 39 I Lava flow and andesite/Eocene Volcanic Pyrenean Vein
525 Sharif Abad 34 8 9 51 10 25 S Basic intrusive and limestone/ Hydrothermal Laramide Veinlet
Cretaceous
526 Sheikh Ahmad 28 45 50 59 56 0 I Basic intrusive/Eocene; limestone and Massive sulfide Pyrenean Vein, disseminated
Introduction
volcanic/Upper Cretaceous
527 Sheikh Ahmad Lu 38 42 30 46 47 0 I Basic volcanicand andesite/Upper Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
Borazin Eocene
528 Sheikh Ali 28 9 0 56 46 20 S Volcanosedimentary rocks from Massive sulfide Laramide Lens
ophiolite complex/Upper
Cretaceous
529 Shekar Abad 37 22 0 47 35 0 I Andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Zn-Pb
530 Shekarab 33 40 34 55 20 40 I Tuff and andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Veinlet
531 Shekasteh-e- 34 25 56 58 33 5 I Granite/Eocene; andesite and basalt/ Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
Chah Sad Paleogene
532 Shekastehsabze 33 2 30 58 22 0 I Dyke, shale, and sandstone/Jurassic Hydrothermal Late Cimmerian Vein
533 Shirkkuh 26 59 11 58 18 4 I Ophiolitic complex, limestone/ Unknown Unknown Unknown
cretaceous
534 Shirvaneh 34 48 40 46 59 0 S Granite/Tertiary Hydrothermal Pyrenean Veinlet
535 Shonig 31 56 30 58 53 9 I Limestone, dolomite, shale/ Unknown Unknown Unknown
536 Shoveh 29 43 20 60 12 0 I Sedimentary rocks/Paleogene; Unknown Unknown Unknown
peridotite and serpentinite/Upper
Cretaceous
537 Shovin 29 40 0 60 4 36 I Granite, plagiogranite, tonalite/Upper Hydrothermal Unknown Lens
Cretaceous
538 Shurab 33 34 0 58 3 0 I Andesite/Neogene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Veinlet
539 Shurak 32 17 0 60 2 52 S Rhyolite, tuff, and dacite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Unknown
540 Shurak 33 12 6 58 27 46 I Rhyolite and dacite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Veinlet
(continued)
419
420
(continued)
541 Siah Bala 35 14 50 60 22 35 I Granite/Oligo-Miocene; andesite Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Veinlet
and tuff/Eocene
542 Siah Ghara Ghan 27 48 30 57 35 30 I Basic intrusive and metamorphic rocks/ Hydrothermal Laramide Lens
Cretaceous
543 Siah Gharaghan 27 48 30 57 35 30 I Basic intrusive and metamorphics/ Hydrothermal Pan-African Lens
Upper Cretaceous
544 Siah Jekul 29 53 0 60 18 20 I Granodiorite/Oligo-Miocene; Porphyry Post-Pyrenean Disseminated
volcanics/Eocene
545 Siahkalan 38 37 0 46 44 40 S Porphyrite monzonite/Oligo-Miocene; Porphyry Post-Pyrenean Lens, disseminated, Mn, Pb-Zn,
andesite, tuff, and limestone/ veinlet Au.Ag
Cretaceous (Paleocene–Eocene?)
546 Siahkuh 28 31 22 56 45 47 I Porphyrite quartz diorite/Oligo- Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Disseminated
Miocene; andesite and pyroclastics/
Eocene
547 Silicat-e-Neyshabur 36 44 0 58 22 30 I Basalt and tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Veinlet
(Adibpur)
548 Silijerd 35 9 17 50 16 29 I Granite/Upper Eocene–Lower Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
Oligocene
549 Simiya 36 23 20 50 18 0 I Volcanics and pyroclastics/Eocene; Hydrothermal Pyrenean Veinlet
shale and limestone/Triassic
550 Sin Abad 29 12 10 57 16 0 I Diorite/Oligo-Miocene;pyroclastic/ Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Veinlet,
Eocene disseminated
551 Sirjend (Khanehzar) 35 5 30 50 13 0 I Andesite and limestone/Upper Hydrothermal Laramide Vein
Cretaceous
552 Sistanak 1 33 37 54 59 36 23 I Volcanics and intrusive/Jurassic Hydrothermal Mid-Cimmerian Vein
553 Sistanak 2 33 37 14 59 38 27 I Basalt and andesite/Paleogene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein, veinlet
554 Soheil 33 15 0 53 1 30 I Andesite/Eocene; limestone dolomite/ Hydrothermal Pyrenean Veinlet
Jurassic
555 Soleymani 27 49 44 57 41 38 I Ophiolite complex/Upper Cretaceous Unknown Unknown Unknown

556 Sorkh Darreh 35 45 30 58 15 0 S Andesite and quartz porphyry/ Hydrothermal Unknown Vein
9.1
Tertiary(?) (Upper Cretaceous)

557 Sorkha (Ghalcheh) 29 20 30 57 27 20 I Ophiolite complex/Upper Cretaceous Unknown Unknown Unknown
558 Sorkhpay 35 52 0 57 32 30 I Granite and tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Unknown
559 Soungun 38 42 0 46 43 0 L Porphyrite micromonzonite/Miocene; Porphyry, skarn Post-Pyrenean Lens, disseminated Fe, Mo
Introduction
560 South of Chahar 29 32 9 56 7 58 I Tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Veinlet

Gonbad
561 South of Halil Rud 28 49 27 57 12 58 I Granite/Oligo-Miocene; rhyolite Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
and dacite/Eocene
562 South of Kal-e- 35 18 16 58 51 12 I Andesite and tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Unknown
Azghand
563 South of Kuh-e-Panj 29 52 9 56 3 54 I Tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Disseminated
564 South of Kusheh1 35 24 20 58 31 48 I Andesite/Tertiary Hydrothermal Pyrenean Unknown
565 South of Kusheh2 35 24 16 58 31 38 I Subvolcanic rocks/Eocene–Oligocene; Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
andesite/Eocene
566 South of Lakar Kuh 31 2 26 57 6 43 I Andesite/Tertiary Hydrothermal Unknown Unknown
567 South of Mahabad 34 18 36 59 37 59 I Microsyenite and red limestone/ Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
Tertiary
568 South of Mahallati 27 6 23 58 6 40 I Phyllite and schist/Cretaceous Unknown Unknown Unknown
569 South of Rayen 29 28 14 57 26 33 I Tuff and andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Unknown
570 South of Seh Farsakh 31 17 54 60 2 24 I Rhyolite, dacite, and limestone/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Veinlet
571 South of Siah Rud 36 44 57 49 34 30 I Andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein, veinlet,
disseminated
572 South of Toshab 29 40 55 56 34 56 I Tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Veinlet
573 South west Of Chah 35 13 54 57 10 13 I Andesite/Paleogene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
Akhteh 1
574 South west Of Chah 35 13 30 57 12 41 I Andesite, tuff/Eocene; granite, Hydrothermal Pyrenean Lens
Akhteh 2 granodiorite/Tertiary
575 South West of Darreh 30 0 49 56 0 0 I Volcanosedimentary rocks/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
Garm
(continued)
421
422
(continued)
576 South West Of Deh 30 9 11 55 50 19 I Monzonite, granosyenite/Tertiary Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
Tahir
577 South West Of Estin 31 17 50 60 2 30 I Basaltic pillow lava/Cretaceous Massive sulfide Laramide Lens
578 South West Of 34 9 52 58 55 16 I Shale, sandstone/Jurassic Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
Kalateh-ye-Bala
579 Southeast of Hamand 32 26 38 59 1 14 I Rhyolite, dacite, and tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Unknown
580 Southeast of 29 48 47 56 7 58 I Tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Veinlet
Kuh-e-Panj
581 Southeast of Mour 32 39 33 59 40 13 I Basalt and andesite/Tertiary Hydrothermal Pyrenean Unknown
582 Southeast of 29 54 19 55 15 18 I Sedimentary rocks/Paleogene Unknown Unknown Unknown
Shahr-e-Babak
583 Southern Cheheltan 29 44 0 56 25 20 I Tuff and andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Unknown
584 Southwest of Bardsir 29 52 25 56 24 3 I Porphyrite diorite and porphyrite quartz Porphyry Post-Pyrenean Disseminated
diorite/Oligo-Miocene; andesite
and pyroclastites/Eocene
585 Southwest of 26 47 14 58 28 1 I Ophiolite complex and limestone/ Unknown Unknown Unknown
Bashagard fault Upper Cretaceous
586 Southwest of Chah 35 13 58 57 10 14 I Andesite/Tertiary Hydrothermal Pyrenean Unknown
Akhteh 1
587 Southwest of Chah 35 13 34 57 12 41 I Andesite/Tertiary Hydrothermal Pyrenean Unknown
Akhteh 2
588 Southwest of 36 17 0 56 16 10 I Andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein, veinlet,
Choghondarsar disseminated
Shomali
589 Southwest of Gorazi 35 1 55 60 5 0 I Andesite and tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Veinlet
590 Southwest of Halatun 26 40 40 58 48 38 I Ophiolite complex and limestone/ Unknown Unknown Unknown
Upper Cretaceous
591 Southwest of Hengam 32 4 19 59 10 0 I Andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Unknown

592 Southwest of Khousf 32 44 3 58 41 8 I Basalt/Tertiary; ophiolite complex/ Hydrothermal Pyrenean Unknown
9.1
Cretaceous
593 Southwest of 26 43 51 58 47 43 I Ophiolite complex and limestone/ Unknown Unknown Unknown
Kuh-e-Gir 1 Upper Cretaceous
594 Southwest of 26 45 16 58 48 20 S Ophiolite complex and limestone/ Unknown Unknown Unknown
Kuh-e-Gir 2 Upper Cretaceous
Introduction
595 southwest of 27 57 17 57 21 40 I Phyllite and schist/Jurassic Unknown Unknown Unknown

Kuh-e-Govag
596 Southwest of Mour 32 39 49 59 28 6 I Peridotite and serpentinite/Upper Unknown Unknown Unknown
Cretaceous
597 Southwest of Sar 32 13 28 58 41 52 I Andesite and tuff/Eocene; schist Hydrothermal Pyrenean Veinlet
Chah Shur and phyllite/Precambrian
598 Southwest of Sorkh 33 13 18 58 21 38 I Shale/Triassic–Jurassic; metamorphic Hydrothermal Unknown Disseminated
Kuh rocks and limestone/Triassic
Jurassic
599 Southwest of 35 3 30 60 7 30 I Andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
Tanoureh
600 Surakh-e-mar 1 29 18 0 57 26 0 I Diorite and porphyrite diorite/ Porphyry Post-Pyrenean Disseminated
Oligo-Miocene; andesite/Eocene
601 Surakh-e-mar 2 29 10 15 57 23 0 I Porphyrite quartz diorite/Oligo- Porphyry Post-Pyrenean Disseminated
Miocene; quartzite, hornfels, and
volcanosedimentary/Eocene
602 Takht 29 36 0 56 16 30 S Tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Veinlet
603 Takht Chahar Gonbad 29 36 0 56 13 0 I Diorite/Oligo-Miocene; volcanics Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Veinlet
604 Takht-e-baneh 29 35 15 56 12 15 S Limestone and tuff/Eocene Porphyry Post-Pyrenean Disseminated
605 Takht-e-Chaman 35 10 30 50 31 10 I Chlorite schist/Precambrian Chlorite schist/ Chlorite schist/ Chlorite schist/
Precambrian Precambrian Precambrian
606 Takieh-e-Taleghan 36 10 20 50 36 30 I Volcanic and volcanoclastic/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Veinlet
607 Taknar 35 27 0 57 48 0 S Marble and schist/Upper Precambrian Hydrothermal Pan-African Veinlet, Ni, Co, U, Au,
disseminated Ag
(continued)
423
424
(continued)
608 Talarji 33 26 20 54 2 30 I Limestone and schist/Upper Hydrothermal Pan-African Veinlet, Au
Proterozoic–Lower Cambrian
609 Taleh Seiah 33 23 0 54 57 0 S Porphyrite diorite/Eocene; red and Hydrothermal Pyrenean Veinlet
evaporite bed/Jurassic
610 Talkheh 33 20 8 53 35 0 S Marble and schist/Upper Precambrian Hydrothermal Pan-African Veinlet, Ni, Co, U, Au,
disseminated Ag
611 Talle Maadan 29 22 0 56 57 40 I Diorite, granite, tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Veinlet Au
612 Talmesi 33 22 41 53 27 30 M Andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Veinlet, vein, Au
disseminated
613 Tamam Deh 31 49 41 60 32 23 I Granite/Tertiary; marble/Cretaceous Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
614 Tang-e-Chenar 31 22 30 54 22 0 I Basalt/Tertiary Hydrothermal Pyrenean Unknown
615 Tangel Chamani 32 54 0 55 43 40 I Gabbro and Diorite/Mesozoic Hydrothermal Pyrenean Unknown
616 Tappeh Seyfollah 36 31 0 49 31 0 I Granite/Eocene Andesitic tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein, veinlet
617 Tarik Darreh 35 29 55 60 42 30 I Diorite/Post-Jurassic, Shale, Sandstone/ Hydrothermal Late Cimmerian Vein
Jurassic
618 Tarkin 33 18 0 51 54 0 I Porphyritic lava and Tuff/Tertiary Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein, veinlet
619 Tek Tekeh (Kayaz) 33 59 30 52 42 30 S Recrystallization marble/Upper Hydrothermal Pan-African Vein
620 Tezelgahai 31 57 51 58 54 48 I Basalt/Cretaceous Massive sulfide Laramide Lens
621 Tezerg (Tizark) 30 34 20 55 3 40 I Granodiorite and gabbro/Oligo- Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Miocene; andesitic lava/Eocene
622 Tigh NowAb 32 6 29 60 34 28 S Tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Veinlet
623 Tirkuh 30 36 0 55 0 10 I Granite/Oligo-Miocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Veinlet
624 Titoeyeh 29 22 0 56 29 0 I Andesite and agglomerate/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
625 Torkamani 33 13 0 54 1 0 I Metamorphic rocks and ulterabasic Hydrothermal Pan-African Vein
rocks/Upper Precambrian
626 Tovazari 33 24 14 54 15 34 I Granodiorite/Upper Jurassic; schist, Hydrothermal Late Cimmerian Vein
marble/Proterozoic
627 Tut 32 32 50 54 25 22 I Andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
9.1
628 Uros Morghi 29 9 30 57 10 30 I Granite, tuff/Eocene; andesite, dacite, Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein, veinlet
rhyolite/Eocene
629 Uzun Darreh 37 28 0 48 4 0 I Limestone/Cretaceous; marble/Jurassic Unknown Unknown Vein
630 Vafez 34 50 30 49 23 0 S Porphyritic lava and tuff/Tertiary Hydrothermal Pyrenean Lens
(Eocene)
Introduction
631 Valimohammad 35 9 30 48 24 30 I Granite, tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Lens

632 Varche Jajarm 37 5 30 57 15 23 I Porphyry intrusive/Eocene; limestone, Skarn Pyrenean Lens Fe
tuff/Cretaceous
633 Varzaj 1 33 37 50 59 22 20 I Andesite basalt/Paleogene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein and veinlet
634 Varzaj 2 33 36 45 59 24 37 I Andesite basalt/Paleogene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein and veinlet
635 Varzaj 3 33 37 10 59 22 59 S Andesite basalt/Paleogene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein and veinlet
636 Varzaj 4 33 37 58 59 24 23 i Andesite basalt/Paleogene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein and veinlet
637 Veshnaveh 34 15 0 51 0 0 S Andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Veinlet
638 West of Bahadrak 27 44 19 57 17 3 I Phyllite and schist/Jurassic Unknown Unknown Unknown
639 West of Bahr-e- 29 3 14 57 14 41 I Granite/Oligo-Miocene; rhyolite Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Unknown
Aseman 1 and dacite/Eocene
640 West of Bahr-e- 29 5 56 57 27 0 I Andesite and tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Unknown
Aseman 2
641 West of Dozad 28 51 16 59 43 19 I Granite/Oligo-Miocene; rhyolite Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Unknown
and dacite/Eocene
642 West Of Kalateh-ye- 34 11 21 58 53 19 I Dacite, andesite, basalt, pyroclastic/ Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
Bala Paleogene
643 West of Kal-e- 35 19 55 58 48 35 I Andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein and veinlet
Azghand
644 West of Kuh-e-Ahurak 29 35 34 56 45 0 I Tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Veinlet
645 West of Kuh-e-Govag 27 59 15 57 19 8 I Ophiolite complex and limestone/ Unknown Unknown Unknown
Upper Cretaceous
646 West of Kuh-e- 26 41 12 58 52 16 I Ophiolite complex and limestone/ Unknown Unknown Unknown
Halatun Upper Cretaceous
(continued)
425
426
(continued)
647 West of Kuh-e-Jeyran 26 44 12 58 40 3 I Ophiolite complex and limestone/ Unknown Unknown Unknown
Upper Cretaceous
648 West of Kuh-e- 29 22 50 56 31 33 I Granite/Oligo-Miocene; rhyolite and Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Unknown
Lalehzar dacite/Eocene
649 West of Kuh-e-Madvar 30 37 1 54 44 1 I Rhyolite and dacite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Veinlet
650 West of Kuh-e- 27 47 27 57 22 44 I Gabbro, diorite/Mesozoic Hydrothermal Laramide Unknown
Mishbadam
651 West of Lachah 30 25 56 55 2 48 I Rhyolite and dacite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Veinlet
652 West of Sarduiyeh 29 12 9 57 12 11 I Granite/Oligo-Miocene; andesite/ Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein, disseminated
Eocene
653 West to northwest of 32 41 27 58 56 48 I Pillow lava, pyroxenite/Upper Hydrothermal Pyrenean Unknown
Khaliran Cretaceous
654 Yakhab 33 58 38 52 11 19 I Shale and sandstone/Jurassic; Hydrothermal Unknown Unknown
limestone/Triassic
655 Yakhab 36 31 55 49 41 0 I Andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Lens, massive
656 Yamakhan 36 35 0 49 5 30 I Andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Lens, massive
657 Yamghan 36 35 0 49 5 30 S Granite/Eocene–Oligocene; andesitic Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein, veinlet
tuff/Eocene
658 YazBanoo 34 12 17 59 48 19 I Volcanosedimentary rocks/Upper Hydrothermal Laramide Vein
Cretaceous
659 Zali Bulagh (Kuh 35 10 0 50 36 0 I Andesite/Paleogene Hydrothermal Laramide Lens
panj)
660 Zamin-e-Hoseyn 29 7 0 57 15 0 I Granite/Oligo-Miocene; rhyolite and Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Unknown
dacite/Eocene
661 Zanaghlu (Zanaglu) 35 29 0 57 36 0 S Andesite/Paleogene Hydrothermal Laramide Lens
662 Zand Abad 38 37 0 46 56 0 S Granite/Upper Eocene–Lower Skarn Post-Pyrenean Lens Au, Pb
Oligocene; volcanics/Paleogene;
663 Zandiyeh 30 27 57 55 34 22 I Granodiorite/Jurassic; sandstone, Porphyry Mid-Cimmerian Disseminated
9.1
siltstone, quartzite/Tertiary
664 Zangzin 29 10 0 57 12 0 I Granodiorite and diorite/Oligo- Porphyry Post-Pyrenean Disseminated
665 Zarmak-e-delijan 33 52 5 50 37 20 S Intrusive and volcanic rocks Hydrothermal Mid-Cimmerian Vein
(Atash Kuh)
Introduction
666 Zarrin Khani 36 33 30 49 36 50 S Basalt and tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Veinlet

667 Zarrineh Rekab 38 40 10 46 45 0 I Andesite and subvolcanic/ Hydrothermal Pyrenean Disseminated Ag
Eocene–Oligocene
668 Zaruiyeh 30 28 46 54 58 51 I Volcanics and sedimentary/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
669 Zaveh Olia 30 28 18 54 58 52 I Rhyolite and dacite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Veinlet
670 Zavork 29 1 0 57 44 30 I Porphyrite rhyolite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein, veinlet
671 Zebra Kuh 1 34 52 42 57 27 43 S Rhyolite, dacite, tuff/Paleogene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
672 Zereshlu 38 18 0 47 17 40 I Dyke and intrusive rocks/Unknown Porphyry Unknown Vein
673 Ziaran 36 8 49 50 33 32 I Andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Lens Fe
674 Ziarat 27 25 27 57 46 23 I Limestone, phyllite/Cretaceous Massive sulfide Laramide Lens
427
428
Complete list of lead and zinc mineral deposits and indications of Iran along with their detailed specifications
1 Ab Bagh Koruyeh 31 54 0 51 45 0 I Limestone/Cretaceous Hydrothermal Laramide Unknown
2 Chah Ahan 34 15 30 57 5 40 S Shale, sandstone, and limestone/ Sedimentary Mid-Cimmerian Disseminated, Cu, Fe
(Kal-e-Sabz) Mid-Jurassic vein
3 Ab Bagh-e-Koruyeh 31 46 19 51 48 7 I Limestone/Lower Cretaceous Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Unknown
Shahr Reza
4 Ab Bid 30 53 55 56 58 55 I Limestone and dolomite/Permo- Sedimentary Hercynian–Early Unknown
Triassic Cimmerian
5 Ab Chamutash-e- 36 30 30 54 41 0 S Limestone/Triassic–Jurassic MVT Early Cimmerian Vein, veinlet
Shahrud
6 Abbas Abad (Kerman) 31 32 45 56 17 58 I Dolomite/Permo-Triassic Mississippi Valley Type Hercynian Vein
7 Abdol Abad 34 9 23 56 31 5 I Dolomite/Mid-Triassic Sedimentary Laramide Vein, veinlet,
disseminated
8 Abgarm 35 39 45 53 11 20 S Sandy limestone/Jurassic Hydrothermal Early Cimmerian Vein
9 Abgarm 35 39 45 53 11 20 s Sandstone limestone/Jurassic Hydrothermal Late Cimmerian Vein Ba
10 Abheydar 31 56 36 56 4 29 S Dolomite and limestone/Mid-Triassic Hydrothermal Early Cimmerian Vein Ba, F
11 Abkamar 34 38 14 50 3 0 I Pyroclastics/Eocene; carbonates/ Hydrothermal Pyrenean Unknown
Upper Cretaceous
12 Abolhasani 35 21 50 54 38 30 S Andesite/Eocene–Oligocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Ba
13 Abolhasani 35 21 50 54 38 30 s Andesite/Eocene–Oligocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Cu
14 Abyek-e-Eshtehard 1 36 19 0 50 32 0 I Tuff and pyroclastics/Tertiary Hydrothermal Pyrenean Unknown
15 Abyek-e-Eshtehard 2 35 38 0 50 19 0 I Volcanics and pyroclastics/ Volcanic Pyrenean Unknown Cu
Tertiary(Eocene)
16 Aghuzaki 36 44 0 50 35 0 I Limestone/Mid-Permian Hydrothermal Hercynian Unknown
17 Ahangaran 34 10 11 48 59 58 M 1- Dolomite/Lower Cretaceous; Mississippi Valley Type Early Cimmerian Stratiformbed, Cu, Ba, Ag
2- slate/Jurassic (MVT) and SEDEX lens
18 Ahmad Abad 31 58 0 55 54 0 S Limestone and dolomite/Upper Triassic Mississippi Valley Type Early Cimmerian Lens
19 Ahou 34 34 3 50 2 46 I Pyroclastics/Eocene; carbonates/ Hydrothermal Pyrenean Unknown
Upper Cretaceous
20 Ahovanu 36 13 7 54 10 54 S Limestone/Mid-Jurassic Sedimentary Mid-Cimmerian Disseminated
9.1
21 Ahuan Gordel Kuh 34 11 31 49 25 15 I Dolomite and limestone/Cretaceous Epithermal Pyrenean Vein Sb, Ag
22 Ai Qalehsi 36 20 24 47 22 30 S Limestone and sandstone, tuff/ Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein Au
Oligo-Miocene
23 Akhlamad 36 41 0 58 50 0 S Sandstone and shale/Jurassic Unknown Unknown Unknown
24 Akhory 35 17 12 54 27 21 I Dolomite/Devonian Hydrothermal Pyrenean Disseminated
Introduction
25 Akhory 35 17 12 54 27 21 I Dolomite/Devonian Hydrothermal Pyrenean Disseminated

26 Akhtarchi 33 47 0 50 15 0 I Dolomite limestone/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Unknown
Cretaceous (MVT)
27 Akuhi 35 50 0 52 31 0 I Limestone/Cretaceous Sedimentary Late Cimmerian Unknown
28 Akuhi 35 50 0 52 31 0 I Limestone/Cretaceous Sedimentary Late Cimmerian Unknown
29 Alam Kandy 36 45 32 47 15 40 M Schist, amphibolite, and marble/ SEDEX Pan-African Lens, vein
Cambrian
30 Alamut 33 47 0 50 28 0 I Sandstone and carbonates/Lower Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
Cretaceous
31 Alavijeh 33 4 0 51 7 0 I Limestone/Lower Cretaceous Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Unknown
(MVT)
32 Ali Abad va 28 56 0 56 30 0 S Limestone/Devonian Hydrothermal Early Cimmerian Vein
Dasht-e-Baft
33 Amin Abad 35 35 30 51 30 20 I Andesite/Eocene Volcanic Pyrenean Unknown
34 Amirnan 36 11 53 50 32 11 I Limestone, volcanics, and Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein, lens Ba
pyroclastics/Paleocene–Eocene
35 Amrudak 28 43 15 60 55 0 S Meta-phyllitic shale/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
36 Anabu 35 48 9 53 3 55 S Carbonaceous rocks/Jurassic Hydrothermal Laramide Vein,
disseminated
37 Anabu 35 48 9 53 3 55 s Carbonates/Jurassic Hydrothermal Laramide Vein, Cu, Ba
disseminated
38 Analou 35 57 0 55 58 30 I Metamorphic rocks and carbonates/ Hydrothermal Pyrenean Unknown Cu, Ba
Cretaceous
(continued)
429
430
(continued)
39 Anaru (Qulleh Anaru) 35 18 29 54 29 28 S 1- Gray limestone/Devonian (Upper Hydrothermal Early Cimmerian Disseminated,
Paleozoic); 2- dolomite, vein
limestone/Triassic
40 Anaru (Qulleh Anaru) 35 18 29 54 29 28 s Gray limestone/Devonian; dolomite Hydrothermal Late Cimmerian Vein,
and limestone/Triassic disseminated
41 Anguran 36 37 40 47 24 20 L Schist, dolomite, and marble/Upper Massive sulfide Pan-African Lens Cd
42 Anjerd 38 40 13 46 55 10 S Monzonite/Eocene–Oligocene; tuff Skarn Pyrenean Lens Cu, Ba
43 Anjireh 31 43 41 54 13 54 S Dolomite and limestone/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein Fe
Cretaceous
44 Anjireh Kuhpayeh 33 12 57 52 2 54 I Sandstone and carbonates/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein
Cretaceous
45 Anjireh Tiran 32 44 43 51 7 30 S Limestone, marl and marl limestone/ Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Lens, vein Cu
Lower Cretaceous (MVT)
46 Arask-e-Damghan 36 9 6 54 0 23 S Limestone, dolomitic limestone/ Sedimentary Late Cimmerian Vein
(Cheshmeh Upper Jurassic
Naanai)
47 Arous kuh 35 58 0 53 3 0 I Shale, sandstone, and limestone/ Hydrothermal Pyrenean Unknown
Jurassic
48 Arpachay 36 47 0 47 58 0 S Sandy tuff and Acidic tuff/ Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein Cu
Oligo-Miocene
49 Arreh 32 31 45 51 36 36 I Sandy dolomite/Lower Cretaceous Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Unknown
(MVT)
50 Arusan 33 24 13 54 26 49 I Schist and marble/Upper Hydrothermal Pan-African(?) Vein, Ag
Proterozoic–Lower Paleozoic stratiformbed
51 Arzuyeh 28 37 50 56 22 40 I Basic dyke/Upper Triassic; calc and Hydrothermal Early Cimmerian Vein
(Esfandagheh 2) dolomite marble and green schist/
Devonian
52 Asagi 30 35 37 60 11 16 S Andesite and dacite/Oligo-Miocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein, Cu, Fe
9.1
disseminated
53 Asaran 35 51 19 53 16 55 S Massive limestone/Upper Cretaceous Sedimentary Laramide Veinlet
54 Asbeh Kosh 34 46 13 50 20 45 I Tuff and Andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Lens Ba, Cu
55 Ashtiyan 1 34 32 11 50 0 48 S Pyroclastics/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Unknown
Introduction
56 Ashtiyan 2 34 30 48 50 4 7 I Pyroclastics/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Unknown

57 Ashtiyan 3 34 33 57 50 2 48 S Dolomite and limestone/Cretaceous Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
58 Atash Kuh-e- 33 53 56 50 38 0 I Thick-bedded limestone and Unknown Unknown Unknown
Mahallat dolomite/Cretaceous
59 Avan 36 30 32 50 28 39 I Volcanosedimentary/Triassic Hydrothermal Early Cimmerian Vein
60 Aynalou 35 57 0 55 58 30 I Metamorphic and carbonate rocks/ Hydrothermal Pyrenean Unknown
Cretaceous
61 Ayrijeh 33 46 28 49 45 7 Limestone/Lower Cretaceous MVT Laramide Vein
62 Baba Qolleh 33 33 20 49 59 40 S Dolomite and limestone/Lower MVT Laramide Vein, veinlet Cu
Cretaceous
63 Baba Rais 34 18 48 48 57 16 I Quartzite/Jurassic Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein, veinlet Cu, Fe
(MVT)
64 Baba Sheikh 33 29 41 50 16 0 S Thick-bedded limestone/Cretaceous Hydrothermal Laramide Vein, veinlet
65 Baey 35 8 38 60 11 15 I Limestone/Triassic Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
66 Bafgh 31 55 0 55 54 0 I Dolomite/Triassic Hydrothermal Early Cimmerian Vein
67 Bagh Bahadoran 32 28 0 51 10 0 I Sandstone and carbonates/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein
Cretaceous
68 Bagh Bakhshi 34 16 29 59 44 9 I Volcanics and pyroclastics/Tertiary Hydrothermal Pyrenean Unknown
69 Bagh Ghorogh 33 35 38 53 48 49 I Dolomite and limestone/Upper Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
Cretaceous
70 Bagh Kumeh 32 31 30 51 36 30 I Sandstone and carbonates/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein
Cretaceous
71 Bagher Abad 32 17 0 51 16 0 I Dolomite, limestone/Cretaceous; MVT Laramide Vein
shale, sandstone/Jurassic
72 Bahram Abad 30 48 37 56 52 39 S Limestone/Cretaceous Hydrothermal Unknown Vein
(continued)
431
(continued)
432

73 Bahram Taj 32 19 0 53 30 32 S Limestone, shale, and sandy tuff/ SEDEX Pan-African Vein
Upper Proterozoic–Lower
Paleozoic
74 Bajgan 31 27 52 55 53 45 I Limestone/Triassic–Jurassic Sedimentary Cimmerian Vein
75 Bala Kuh 37 10 26 48 48 5 I Limestone/Upper Devonian–Lower Hydrothermal Hercynian Vein, lens,
Permian Disseminated
76 Balam 33 25 0 49 55 0 I Limestone/Lower Cretaceous MVT Laramide Vein
77 Balamcheh Ardestan 33 3 53 51 58 6 I Dolomitic limestone/Lower MVT Laramide Vein
Cretaceous
78 Bam Kamar 31 15 0 59 17 0 I Carbonates/Cretaceous Hydrothermal Early Cimmerian Vein
79 Band-e-Bagh 29 53 35 56 1 55 I Andesite/Mid-Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein, veinlet
80 Band-e-Gel II 33 21 11 55 1 12 I Limestone and shale/Lower Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Cu, Au,
Cretaceous Ag
81 Baneh 34 5 18 49 23 19 S Thickness layers limestone/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Veinlet
Cretaceous (MVT)
82 Barik Ab 36 16 46 49 18 21 S Breccia tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Cu, Au
83 Basari 34 5 57 49 15 50 S Gray limestone and marl/Upper Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Veinlet Ag, Fe
Cretaceous (MVT)
84 Betu Neyshbur 36 26 0 58 17 0 I Andesite/Tertiary Volcanic Pyrenean Unknown
85 Bibi Shahrbanoo 35 36 0 51 28 0 I Dolomite/Precambrian Volcanic Pan-African (?) Unknown
86 Bidu 34 52 0 57 22 0 S Thick-bedded to massive dolomite/ Sedimentary Pan-African Vein
Cambrian
87 Bikhtang 34 13 37 48 56 2 S Dolomite and limestone/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Stratiformbed Cu, Fe
Cretaceous (MVT)
88 Binaloud 36 6 35 56 32 10 I Dolomite/Triassic; shale/Jurassic MVT Mid-Cimmerian Vein
89 Bivarzan 36 42 0 49 34 35 S Massive dolomite and sandy Hydrothermal Early Cimmerian Vein
limestone/Permian
90 Boghose 33 36 4 57 14 30 I Reef limestone/Jurassic MVT Late Cimmerian Vein

91 Bolazoom 33 57 0 53 8 0 I Volcanics and pyroclastics/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
9.1
92 Bolmocheh 33 3 53 51 58 6 S Thick-bedded limestone/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Veinlet

Cretaceous (MVT)
93 Bon Anar 31 57 39 55 54 6 S Limestone and dolomite/Permo- Sedimentary Hercynian Vein
Triassic
94 Bonidar 34 10 52 49 8 0 S Breccia sandstone/Lower Cretaceous Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein Cu, Au
Introduction
(MVT)
95 Borj Band Kuh 33 24 0 50 33 30 I Limestone/Lower Cretaceous MVT Laramide Vein
96 Borzoo 34 10 49 59 43 24 I Volcanics and pyroclastics/Tertiary Hydrothermal Pyrenean Unknown
97 Boz Kamar 35 23 46 54 33 45 I Breccia volcanic/Eocene–Oligocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
98 Bozbarreh-ye- 36 44 0 49 34 25 S Massive dolomite and sandy Hydrothermal Early Cimmerian Vein Cu, Ag,
AmmarLu limestone/Permian Cd
99 Bozeh 35 23 48 54 33 45 I Lava and breccia volcanics/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
100 Bozgoush 33 26 33 54 43 16 I Limestone/Lower Cretaceous Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Unknown
101 Buteh Gaz 35 28 25 60 48 45 I Intrusive and volcanic rocks/Tertiary; Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
carbonates/Triassic
102 Chadorgi 33 20 37 50 34 48 S Limestone/Upper Cretaceous Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein, veinlet Ba, Cu
103 Chah Allah 30 29 50 56 21 20 I Limestone/Jurassic Sedimentary Early–Middle Unknown
Cimmerian
104 Chah Farakh 35 28 56 54 18 53 S Tephrite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Cu
105 Chah Gaz 29 31 5 55 2 20 I Schist/Triassic–Jurassic Massive sulfide Late Cimmerian Vein
106 Chah Gorbeh 33 25 3 53 44 48 I Marbles/Upper Precambrian–Lower Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Ag
Cambrian
107 Chah Kharbozeh 33 28 51 53 47 54 I Limestone and limestone Hydrothermal Laramide– Vein, veinlet Cu
conglomerate/Lower Cretaceous Pyrenean
108 Chah Makan 30 22 30 56 34 10 I Dolomite/Permo-Triassic Sedimentary Early Cimmerian Unknown
109 Chah Mesi 29 25 29 55 10 20 I Andesite and basalt/Mid-Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Cu, Au
110 Chah Mileh 33 25 42 53 48 41 I Schist and marble/Upper Hydrothermal Pan-African (?) Vein
Proterozoic–Lower Paleozoic Eocene (?)
(continued)
433
434
(continued)
111 Chah Musa 35 29 0 54 53 30 S Andesite, trachyandesite, dacite/ Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Ba, Cu
Eocene
112 Chah Shirin 35 21 0 54 5 57 I Dolomite and limestone/Devonian Hydrothermal Pyrenean Veinlet, vein Cu
113 Chah Sorb 34 4 0 56 40 0 S Limestone and dolomite/Mid-Triassic Mississippi Valley Type Late Cimmerian Vein, veinlet,
(MVT) disseminated
114 Chah Sormeh 34 14 20 48 54 25 I Limestone/Lower Cretaceous MVT Laramide Vein
115 Chah Talkh 33 18 32 50 33 36 S Limestone/Upper Cretaceous Hydrothermal Laramide Vein Ba, Cu
116 Chah Talkh 29 8 14 55 26 6 M Limestone/Upper Cretaceous Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Ba, Cu
(Saeid Abad)
117 Chahak 34 47 0 50 18 36 S Tuff and andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Lens
118 Chahak 34 47 0 50 18 36 I Tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
119 Chahar Darreh-ye- 36 22 24 54 18 20 S Limestone/Triassic Hydrothermal Early Cimmerian Disseminated Cu
Damghan
120 ChaharDeh Damghan 36 22 24 54 18 20 I Vermicular limestone/Triassic Hydrothermal Early Cimmerian Vein
121 Chahbad 35 22 40 54 17 45 I Dolomite and limestone/Upper Hydrothermal Pyrenean Disseminated
Paleozoic
122 Chahmir 31 39 0 56 52 30 S Black shale and tuff/Upper Volcanosedimentary/ Pan-African Stratiformbed,
Precambrian–Lower Cambrian SEDEX lens
123 Chahriseh (Lapalang) 33 0 32 52 8 43 S Thick-bedded limestone/Upper Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein, veinlet
Cretaceous (MVT)
124 Chahriseh 33 0 17 52 2 43 S Dolomite/Mid-Triassic Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Veinlet,
(Lapalangchi) (MVT) disseminated
125 Chahriseh (Qassabi) 33 0 40 52 8 17 S Thick-bedded limestone/Upper Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein
Cretaceous (MVT)
126 Cham Darreh 33 17 0 51 50 0 S Sandstone and carbonates/Lower Mississippi Valley type Laramide Vein
Cretaceous
127 Changarzeh 33 16 0 51 56 0 S Dolomite limestone and limestone/ Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein

128 Changureh 36 13 0 49 26 0 S Andesite, andesibasalt, and tuff/ Hydrothermal Pyrenean Unknown
9.1
Eocene
129 Chara Malek 33 43 0 49 36 0 I Dolomite and limestone/Upper Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Unknown
Cretaceous (MVT)
130 Chara Molk 33 43 0 49 36 30 I Sandstone and carbonates/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein
Cretaceous
Introduction
131 Charderagi 33 21 40 50 34 0 I Limestone/Lower Cretaceous MVT Laramide Vein

132 Chari 29 36 0 57 5 0 I Pyroclastics/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
133 Charkat Zanguli 36 17 0 53 45 0 I Sedimentary rocks/Upper Paleozoic– Hydrothermal Pyrenean Unknown
Lower Triassic
134 Cheft 33 31 18 54 11 11 I Schist, marble/Precambrian Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
135 Chehr Abad 36 51 0 47 51 54 I Marl/Oligo-Miocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean veinlet,
Disseminated
136 Chekab 32 43 53 51 8 54 S Limestone/Lower Cretaceous Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein Ag, Cd
(MVT)
137 ChekCheku 32 22 37 54 21 45 S Thick-bedded to massive limestone, Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Stratiformbed,
Shale and sandstone/Lower (MVT) vein
Cretaceous
138 Cheshmeh Adineh 33 23 0 50 43 0 I Sandy dolomite/Lower Cretaceous Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Unknown
(MVT)
139 Cheshmeh Akhury 35 42 0 52 47 0 I Sandstone and shale/Jurassic Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Unknown
140 Cheshmeh Firuzeh 31 56 18 55 53 8 I Dolomite and limestone/ Sedimentary Early Cimmerian Vein Cu
Triassic–Jurassic
141 Cheshmeh Hafez 35 24 57 54 44 59 S Andesitic breccia tuff/Eo-Oligocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein, veinlet
142 Cheshmeh 34 1 46 49 13 12 I Dolomite and limestone/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Disseminated Ba
Sadegh Ali Cretaceous (MVT)
143 Cheshmeh Sang 33 2 26 53 10 19 I Dolomite/Mid-Triassic Hydrothermal Pyrenean Disseminated
144 Cheshmeh Sefid 30 31 20 56 28 40 I Shale/Jurassic; dolomite and Hydrothermal Early–Middle Vein, veinlet F, Ba
limestone/Triassic Cimmerian
145 Cheshmeh Sefid 34 1 0 49 14 0 S Limestone and dolomite/Upper Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein Cu
Cretaceous
(continued)
435
436
(continued)
146 Cheshmehvar 33 24 0 49 55 30 I Limestone, dolomite/Lower MVT Laramide Vein
Cretaceous
147 Chichaklou 36 26 46 47 26 0 I Shale and dolomite/Upper Volcano Sedimentary Pan-African Vein Au, Ag
148 Chika Buh 33 52 24 52 59 12 I Tuffite/Eocene; limestone/Cretaceous Hydrothermal Pyrenean Disseminated
149 Chirak 33 22 42 57 15 58 I Limestone/Carboniferous Sedimentary Hercynian Unknown
150 Chogha Siah 33 25 0 49 55 0 I Dolomite and limestone/Upper Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein
Cretaceous (MVT)
151 Choghart Karim Abad 31 59 25 56 1 42 I Limestone, dolomite/Triassic Hydrothermal Early Cimmerian Vein
152 Chomalu 38 7 8 48 11 42 S Andesitic and rhyolitic tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein, Cu
disseminated
153 Chugha Soukhteh 33 7 13 50 38 3 I Limestone/Cretaceous Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Unknown Cu
(MVT)
154 Chumul 36 43 45 49 38 55 S Limestone/Upper Jurassic Hydrothermal Late Cimmerian Lens Ba
155 Dahagh Arabestan 33 2 22 50 47 18 I Limestone/Lower Cretaceous MVT Laramide Vein
156 Dahaneh Bagh-ha 31 43 50 56 19 40 I Dolomite and dolomitic limestone/ Hydrothermal Early Cimmerian Vein
Triassic
157 Dahaneh Pahne Kamar 32 31 58 58 26 24 I Shale/Upper Triassic Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
158 Dahaneh Sabz 33 2 12 52 9 41 S Thick-bedded and gray limestone/ Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Veinlet
159 Dahaneh Shur 31 56 0 56 4 45 I Limestone, dolomite, and shale/ Hydrothermal Pyrenean Unknown
Jurassic–Triassic
160 Dahaneh Tangool 32 27 20 57 20 0 I Shale, limestone, sandstone/Triassic Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
161 Dahaneh-Pahneh 32 31 58 58 26 24 I Shale/Upper Triassic Hydrothermal Early Cimmerian Vein
Kamar (Birjand)
162 Dar Dahaneh 33 23 46 50 35 0 I Dolomite/Lower Cretaceous MVT Laramide Vein
163 Darband 35 44 55 53 21 17 S Limestone/Upper Cretaceous Sedimentary Laramide Vein, veinlet

164 Darband Hendeh 33 21 0 49 58 0 I Limestone, dolomite/Lower MVT Laramide Vein
9.1
Cretaceous
165 Darestan 35 26 5 54 39 25 I Tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
166 Darin 33 21 0 49 58 0 I Dolomite and limestone/Upper Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein
Cretaceous (MVT)
167 Darin Tabas 33 34 0 56 11 30 S Massive dolomite and dolomite Hydrothermal Caledonian- Vein
Introduction
limestone/Ordovician Hercynian
168 Darreh 33 52 38 51 18 54 I Andesitic lava and pyroclastics/ Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
Eocene
169 Darreh Amrud 33 38 47 51 23 37 I Granodiorite/Post-Eocene; acidic Hydrothermal Pyrenean Veinlet,
(Qohrud) tuff/Eocene disseminated
170 Darreh Arezoo 33 0 16 50 42 0 I Sandstone and carbonates/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein Fe
Cretaceous
171 Darreh Bayat 34 14 52 48 55 4 S Dolomite and limestone/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Lens
Cretaceous (MVT)
172 Darreh Bid 32 58 38 50 44 50 I Dolomite and limestone/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Unknown
Cretaceous (MVT)
173 Darreh Farah 33 23 0 49 55 0 I Limestone/Lower Cretaceous MVT Laramide Vein
174 Darreh Garmeh 33 25 0 49 56 0 I Limestone, dolomite/Lower MVT Laramide Vein
Cretaceous
175 Darreh Harzu 33 0 16 50 42 0 I Sandy dolomite/Lower Cretaceous Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Unknown
(MVT)
176 Darreh Kamran 36 28 0 49 25 30 I Tuff/Eocene Unknown Unknown Unknown Fe
177 Darreh Molki 34 3 19 49 25 9 I Thickness layers limestone/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein
Cretaceous (MVT)
178 Darreh Noghreh 33 31 41 50 14 17 S Tuff and pyroclastics/Cretaceous Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein, veinlet Ag
179 Darreh Rasul 34 11 8 49 3 42 I Dolomite limestone and silica/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Stratiformbed
Cretaceous (MVT)
180 Darreh Sharif 31 8 0 55 34 0 I Limestone and dolomite/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein
Cretaceous
181 Darreh Varandoun 33 38 47 51 23 37 I Dacite/Post-Eocene; metamorphosed Hydrothermal Pyrenean Disseminated
silica tuff/Eocene
437
(continued)
438
(continued)
182 Darreh Zanjir 31 43 0 54 13 0 S Limestone/Lower Cretaceous Hydrothermal Pyrenean Disseminated
183 Darreh Zarreh 31 12 10 56 41 27 I Dolomite/Permo-Triassic Sedimentary Early Cimmerian Vein
184 Darz Abad 34 25 32 58 9 57 S Volcanics/Tertiary; sedimentary Hydrothermal Pyrenean Unknown
rocks/Paleozoic
185 Dashtak 33 2 0 50 42 0 I Shale/Lower Jurassic Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Unknown
(MVT)
186 Dasht-e-Varamin 35 12 0 51 50 0 I Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown
187 Dastgerd 36 19 0 50 18 0 I Basalt/Tertiary Volcanic Pyrenean Unknown Fe
188 Deh Asghar 31 46 30 56 12 0 S Limestone, limestone dolomite, shale, MVT Early Cimmerian Vein, veinlet
and sandstone/Permo-Triassic
189 Deh Chuneh 34 6 0 49 6 0 I Limestone and dolomite/Upper Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Unknown
Cretaceous
190 Deh Siahan 30 0 10 55 59 30 I Tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Unknown
191 Deh Sufian 35 49 30 53 23 45 I Limestone/Triassic Mississippi Valley Type Early Cimmerian Veinlet
192 Dehagh 33 2 8 50 47 20 S Sandstone and carbonates/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein
Cretaceous
193 Dehreza 28 57 16 61 5 56 I Shale and sandstone/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
194 Derasheh 33 23 0 50 35 0 I Sandstone and carbonates/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein
Cretaceous
195 Digar Kuh 31 2 0 56 56 0 I Gypsum, gypsy marl, limestone/ Hydrothermal Pyrenean Unknown
Jurassic
196 Doab 36 0 0 53 4 0 I Sandstone and shale/Jurassic Hydrothermal Pyrenean Unknown
197 Dour 33 18 14 50 39 30 I Dolomite and limestone/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Unknown
Cretaceous (MVT)
198 Dowlat Abad 35 46 0 52 42 0 I Pyroclastics/Tertiary Hydrothermal Pyrenean Unknown
199 Duna-Elika 36 9 55 51 26 45 M Crystalline MVT Early Cimmerian Vein
limestone/Permian– Triassic
200 Dush kharat 33 6 33 50 26 36 S Dolomite and limestone/Cretaceous Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein, veinlet,
9.1
and lens
201 East of Kachuieh 32 26 0 51 12 0 I Sandstone and carbonates/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein
Cretaceous
202 East of Kuh-e- 29 47 19 57 53 18 I Pyroclastics/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Cu
Piadehrow
Introduction
203 Ejilku 36 55 0 47 5 0 I Andesitic lava/Oligo-Miocene MVT Post-Pyrenean Vein

204 Emarat 33 51 0 49 36 0 L Thin-bedded limestone, shale, marl Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein, lens
and chert/Cretaceous (MVT)
205 Eram-e-Bozorg 35 51 30 53 14 30 S Thickness layers limestone/Upper Sedimentary Laramide Vein Cu, Ba, Ag
Cretaceous
206 Eram-e-Kochak 35 51 19 53 16 18 S Thickness layers limestone/Upper Sedimentary Laramide Vein
Cretaceous
207 Espily 36 55 42 49 52 45 S Limestone/Jurassic Hydrothermal Mid-Cimmerian Vein
208 Farah Abad 31 38 30 53 46 0 S Massive to bedded limestone/Lower Hydrothermal Laramide Vein Cu, Ba
Cretaceous
209 Farak (Parak) 31 51 30 55 44 0 S Silica dolomite and limestone/Upper Volcanosedimentary Pan-African Vein
210 Fars Manesh 34 53 52 49 49 28 S Tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
(Vaymand)
211 Farvaz 34 14 18 48 56 12 S Dolomite, limestone/Lower MVT Laramide Lens
Cretaceous
212 Faskhoud 33 16 0 51 56 0 S Sandstone and carbonates/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein
Cretaceous
213 Feyz Abad 32 44 0 52 59 0 I Volcanics and pyroclastics/Tertiary Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
214 Firuzkuh 1 35 48 0 52 35 0 I Pyroclastics/Tertiary Hydrothermal Pyrenean Unknown
215 Firuzkuh 2 35 47 0 52 52 0 I Pyroclastics/Tertiary Hydrothermal Pyrenean Unknown
216 Gadok Firuzkuh 35 50 0 52 54 0 I Limestone and dolomite/Permo- Hydrothermal Late Cimmerian Vein
Triassic
217 Gaduk-e-Firuzkuh 35 50 0 52 54 0 I Dolomite and limestone/Permo- Hydrothermal Early Cimmerian Vein and veinlet
Triassic
(continued)
439
(continued)
440

218 Gandi 35 19 15 54 38 45 S Andesite/Eocene–Oligocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
219 Gara Gheshlagh 35 38 0 50 17 0 I Volcanics and pyroclastics/Tertiary Volcanic Pyrenean Unknown
220 Garadu 34 15 0 57 6 0 S Dolomite/Mid-Devonian, Massive to Hydrothermal Early Cimmerian Vein,
thick-bedded limestone/Permian disseminated
221 Gardaneh 32 0 0 51 0 0 I Sandy dolomite/Lower Cretaceous Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Unknown
(MVT)
222 Gardaneh Dolasoul 32 56 0 51 3 0 I Sandstone and carbonates/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein
Cretaceous
223 Gardaneh Rokh 32 23 0 51 8 0 I Sandstone and carbonates/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein
Cretaceous
224 Gardaneh Shir (Gol 33 2 0 52 13 29 S Dolomite limestone and dolomite/ Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Veinlet, vein
Mouniai) Mid-Triassic (MVT)
225 Garuki 34 46 0 50 14 30 l Andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
226 Gavart 36 25 5 51 5 49 S Diorite and syenite/Tertiary; Hydrothermal Pyrenean Unknown
carbonates/Paleozoic
227 Gazaldar 1 33 47 0 49 46 0 I Sandstone and carbonates/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein
Cretaceous
228 Gazaldar 2 33 45 8 49 46 37 I Sandstone and carbonates/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein
Cretaceous
229 Geloangah 36 10 0 51 20 0 I Tuff and pyroclastics/Tertiary Hydrothermal Pyrenean Unknown Ba, Cu
230 Geruki 34 46 0 50 14 40 I Tuff and andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Lens
231 Ghadir 31 37 10 55 59 5 I Limestone and dolomite/Permo- Sedimentary Early Cimmerian Vein
Triassic
232 Ghahestan 34 22 0 57 15 0 I Marl, limestone/Jurassic MVT Late Cimmerian Vein
233 Ghahr Rud 33 38 47 51 23 37 I Rhyolitic tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
234 Ghahyaz Ardestan 33 2 21 52 26 30 I Limestone, shale, tuff/Eocene Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein
235 Ghajreh 35 56 0 51 11 0 I Pyroclastic/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
236 Ghara Boltagh 33 12 0 50 15 0 I Sandstone and carbonates/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein
Cretaceous
237 Ghara Gheshlagh 35 38 0 50 17 0 I Volcanics and pyroclastics/Tertiary Volcanic Pyrenean Unknown
9.1
238 Ghara Sarjedgal 33 49 0 49 33 0 I Dolomite and limestone/Upper Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Unknown
Cretaceous (MVT)
239 Gharah Darreh 36 27 0 49 33 0 I Andesite/Eocene Unknown Unknown Unknown
240 Ghare Golkan 34 8 30 56 32 50 S Dolomite/Mid-Triassic Sedimentary Laramide Disseminated,
veinlet
Introduction
241 Ghar-e-Baba Jaber 33 40 0 50 28 0 I Sandstone and carbonates/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein Cu
Cretaceous
242 Ghar-e-Morvarik 33 53 44 49 37 54 S Sandstone and conglomerate/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein
Cretaceous (MVT)
243 Ghar-e-Palangi 32 27 50 57 19 50 I Dolomite/Lower–Mid- Triassic Hydrothermal Early Cimmerian Unknown
244 Ghar-e-Sar-e-jadeh 33 46 52 49 35 6 I Thick-bedded limestone/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Disseminated
Kal Cretaceous (MVT)
245 Ghar-e-Shir Ali 34 9 30 57 8 12 I Shale, carbonaceous marl, and Sedimentary Early Cimmerian Vein, veinlet
sandstone/Lower Jurassic
246 Gharmee 33 45 0 49 48 0 I Sandstone and carbonates/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein Ba
Cretaceous
247 Gharyeh Seh 33 28 15 51 30 47 S Thick-bedded and gray limestone/ Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Veinlet,
Lower Cretaceous (MVT) disseminated
248 Ghasem Abad 33 54 0 49 44 0 I Sandstone and carbonates/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein
Cretaceous
249 Ghassabi 33 0 40 52 8 17 I Limestone/Upper Cretaceous MVT Laramide Vein
250 Ghazan 33 41 50 51 22 43 I Andesitic tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
251 Ghazi Darreh 33 26 0 50 41 0 I Sandstone and carbonates/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein
Cretaceous
252 Ghazi Kolayeh 36 9 0 50 23 0 I Volcanics and pyroclastics/Tertiary Volcanic Pyrenean Unknown
253 Ghehestan 34 22 42 57 14 22 I Dolomite and limestone/Jurassic Mississippi Valley Type Late Cimmerian Stratiformbed
254 Ghelich kandi 35 38 37 49 50 26 I Volcanics and pyroclastics/Tertiary Volcanic Pyrenean Unknown
255 Gheshleghiri 33 23 30 50 36 0 I Dolomite/Lower Cretaceous MVT Laramide Vein
256 Gheslinsar 36 23 0 50 10 0 I Pyroclastics/Tertiary; carbonates/ Volcanic Pyrenean Unknown
Jurassic
(continued)
441
442
(continued)
257 Ghezel Dar 33 47 0 49 46 0 I Limestone/Lower Cretaceous MVT Laramide Vein
258 Ghezel Qaleh 37 13 18 48 15 15 S Acidic to intermediate tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Cu
259 Ghjareh 35 56 0 51 11 0 I Tuff and pyroclastics/Tertiary Volcanic Pyrenean Unknown
260 Gholatu 31 36 30 56 27 15 I Dolomite and limestone/Permo- Sedimentary Early Cimmerian Vein
Triassic
261 Ghole Bozi 32 31 54 58 22 20 I Dolomite and limestone/Triassic Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
262 Gholuri 31 35 46 56 6 8 I Limestone and dolomite/Permo- Sedimentary Early Cimmerian Vein
Triassic
263 Ghor-e-Sefid 32 32 0 58 19 52 I Dolomite, limestone/Triassic Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
264 Ghoshrow 34 16 55 56 35 48 I Limestone and dolomite/Jurassic Mississippi Valley Type Late Cimmerian Vein
265 Ghuch Kuhi 34 36 30 57 9 0 S Dolomite/Mid-Devonian Sedimentary Caledonian Vein
266 Gijar Kuh 31 52 53 56 7 27 S Dolomite/Triassic MVT Early Cimmerian Vein, veinlet
267 Giutangeh 36 6 7 53 55 22 S Dolomite and limestone/Jurassic Mississippi Valley Type Late Cimmerian Vein, veinlet
(Malm)
268 Givtangeh Damghan 36 5 50 53 55 45 I Dolomite and limestone/Jurassic Hydrothermal Late Cimmerian Vein
269 God Abbas Abad 33 27 8 54 30 11 I Limestone/Lower Cretaceous Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
270 Godar Sorkh 32 22 0 57 16 0 I Shale and limestone/Triassic Sedimentary Early Cimmerian Unknown
271 Godar-e-Dour 33 22 30 50 45 16 I Sandstone and carbonates/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein
Cretaceous
272 Godar-e-Pouneh 36 11 21 59 48 1 I Limestone, sandstone, and shale/ Hydrothermal Late Cimmerian Vein, veinlet
Jurassic
273 Godar-e-Sorkh 33 19 21 54 47 14 I Limestone/Lower Cretaceous Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Unknown
274 Godar-e-Sorkh 33 23 3 57 21 12 S Siltstone and dolomite/Lower–Mid- Hydrothermal Early Cimmerian Vein
Triassic
275 Gojar 31 35 1 56 25 55 S Limestone and dolomite/Jurassic Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein
(MVT)
276 Gol Boneh 33 49 0 50 30 30 I Sandstone and carbonates/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein
Cretaceous
277 Gol Tappeh 2 33 50 0 49 48 0 I Sandstone and carbonates/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein Ba, Cu
9.1
Cretaceous
278 Golestan 34 38 35 50 30 0 I Tuff and andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Lens
279 Golestani (Delbar) 35 57 23 55 58 47 S Dolomite/Jurassic Hydrothermal Laramide Vein
280 Golharan 32 58 37 50 44 50 S Limestone/Cretaceous; shale MVT Laramide Vein and veinlet
and sandstone/Jurassic
Introduction
281 Golpar Abad (Darreh 34 9 46 49 3 35 I Slate and quartzite/Lower Cretaceous Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein
Cheshmeh (MVT)
Gandomeh)
282 Golzard 33 26 30 49 49 46 I Phyllite, calc phyllite, quartz phyllite/ Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Stratiformbed,
Jurassic (MVT) vein
283 Gondehdar 31 48 53 55 44 30 I Black dolomite/Permo-Triassic Sedimentary Early Cimmerian Vein
284 Gonharan 32 59 4 50 41 34 S Marl/Mid-Cretaceous Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein, veinlet Fe
(MVT)
285 Goor Delbandan 31 39 30 56 22 40 I Dolomite, limestone/Cretaceous Hydrothermal Laramide Vein
286 Goor Ravar 31 21 4 56 16 45 S Dolomitic limestone/Cretaceous; Hydrothermal Late Cimmerian Vein Ba, Fe
shale, sandstone, siltstone/
Permo-Triassic
287 Goor Vafadari 31 21 15 55 55 5 I Shale, dolomite, pyroclastic/ Sedex Pan-African Lens
Precambrian
288 Gordel Kuh 34 11 31 49 25 15 S Dolomite, limestone, and quartzite/ Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein
289 Gor-e-Ravar 31 21 40 56 16 45 S Dolomite/Permo-Triassic Sedimentary Hercynian Vein
290 Gorgab 33 59 53 52 26 38 I Schist/Paleozoic Hydrothermal Pyrenean Stratiformbed Cu, Au,
Ag
291 Gorgab 3 33 59 19 52 27 5 I Schist/Paleozoic Hydrothermal Pyrenean Stratiformbed
292 Gorgan 33 29 0 50 4 0 I Sandstone and carbonates/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein
Cretaceous
293 Gourestani 34 7 25 56 33 6 S Dolomite/Mid-Triassic Sedimentary Laramide Veinlet,
disseminated
294 Gourt Chalous 36 29 0 51 9 0 I Limestone/Lower Cretaceous Hydrothermal Late Cimmerian Vein
(continued)
443
(continued)
444

295 Gousheh Kamar 34 37 58 57 11 27 S Porphyry andesite/unknown; Hydrothermal Unknown Vein, veinlet
dolomite/Devonian
296 Govar 31 21 52 56 16 21 S Dolomite/Permo-Triassic Sedimentary Early Cimmerian Vein
297 Gowd-e-Abbas 33 26 17 54 30 50 S Schist and marble/Upper Cambrian– Hydrothermal Caledonian Vein
Lower Ordovician
298 Gowd-e-Vafadary 31 21 15 55 55 5 I Dolomite/Permo-Triassic Sedimentary Early Cimmerian Vein
299 Gurcheh Berenj II 34 6 37 54 44 18 I Limestone/Oligo-Miocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein Eu, Nd,
Ag
300 Gurt-e-Kolardasht 36 25 40 51 8 0 S Porphyrite quartz monzonite/Tertiary; Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein, veinlet
diabase dike/Pre-Tertiary;
limestone/Upper Paleozoic
301 Gushkharat 33 6 33 50 26 36 S Silica limestone/Lower Cretaceous Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Unknown
(MVT)
302 Haft Savaran 33 34 39 49 55 57 S Sandstone and shale/Lower Hydrothermal Late Cimmerian Vein, veinlet
Cretaceous
303 Haft Tal-e-Aghda 32 16 40 53 28 16 I Diorite and dolerite/Post-Cambrian; Hydrothermal Pan-African Vein Ba
shale and sandstone/Cambrian
304 Hafther 32 16 0 53 28 0 S Shale, sandstone, and limestone/ Hydrothermal Pan-African Vein
Lower to Upper Cambrian
305 Haji Abad-e-Zarrin 32 53 0 54 58 0 I 1- Shale and sandstone/Jurassic; Hydrothermal Pyrenean Unknown
2-limestone/Cretaceous
306 Hasan Abad 31 33 0 53 51 0 S Gray dolomite and limestone/ Hydrothermal Laramide Vein
Cretaceous
307 Hasham 32 17 0 53 34 0 I Shale, sandstone, and limestone/ Hydrothermal Pan-African Unknown
Lower to Upper Cambrian
308 Hashiu 31 35 39 56 4 9 I Limestone/Permo-Triassic Sedimentary Early Cimmerian Vein
309 Hashtenjan 34 6 35 56 32 10 S Dolomite/Mid-Triassic Sedimentary Late Cimmerian Vein
310 Hesar 35 24 20 58 46 36 S Volcanics/Tertiary Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
311 Hezar Bisheh 33 22 42 50 38 42 I Sandstone and carbonates/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein
Cretaceous
312 Hoseyn Abad 33 38 11 49 50 42 S Limestone and shale/Jurassic MVT Late Cimmerian Vein
9.1
313 Hoseyn Abad 36 29 0 51 9 0 I Limestone and dolomite/Permo- Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein

Chaplagh Triassic
314 Howz Riz 32 36 43 58 1 20 I Andesite and dacite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Unknown
315 Howzanak 36 12 0 50 33 0 I Volcanics and pyroclastics/Tertiary Hydrothermal Pyrenean Unknown
316 Howz-e-Raeis 32 37 0 58 1 0 I Andesite and dacite/Tertiary Volcanic Pyrenean Vein
Introduction
317 Howz-e-Sefid 32 21 8 54 13 27 S Shale, sandstone, limestone, and Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein, lens,
dolomite/Lower Cretaceous (MVT) stratiformbed
318 Iran Kuh Complex 32 28 0 51 31 0 M Shale and limestone/Cretaceous, MVT Laramide Lens, vein
Mine shale/Jurassic
319 Irankuh 32 31 45 51 36 36 I Sandstone, limestone/Lower MVT Laramide Unknown
Cretaceous
320 Jalayer 34 10 0 49 14 0 I Dolomite, limestone/Lower MVT Laramide Vein
Cretaceous; shale, sandstone/
Jurassic
321 Jarou 35 41 0 50 35 0 I Andesite/Tertiary Volcanic Pyrenean Unknown
322 Jigery-e-Paborj 32 57 0 51 4 0 I Sandy dolomite/Lower Cretaceous Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Unknown
(MVT)
323 Jouzvar 34 53 0 50 10 30 I Pyroclastics limestone and limestone/ Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Ba, Cu, Fe
Eocene
324 Jouyband 38 37 17 46 58 51 I Marble, reef limestone/Upper Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
Cretaceous
325 Juband 38 37 17 46 58 51 I Marl, reef limestone/Upper Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
Cretaceous
326 Jubariun 36 15 57 54 59 0 S Gypsiferous marl/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Veinlet
327 Jutan 36 21 0 50 29 0 I Tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Unknown
328 Kabu 31 35 31 56 3 30 I Dolomite and limestone/Permo- Sedimentary Early Cimmerian Vein
Triassic
329 Kabutar Kuh 34 7 58 58 55 6 S Sedimentary rocks/Jurassic Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein
330 Kah Kuh 33 35 30 51 6 30 S Sandstone and carbonates/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein
Cretaceous
(continued)
445
(continued)
446

331 Kahang 32 20 0 53 24 0 I Diorite and dolerite/Post-Cambrian; Hydrothermal Pan-African Vein
shale and sandstone/Cambrian
332 Kalar 34 8 20 56 31 35 S Dolomite/Triassic Hydrothermal Laramide Vein
333 Kalardasht 36 29 23 51 4 55 I Limestone/Triassic Hydrothermal Late Cimmerian Vein
334 Kalardustak 34 19 20 50 47 18 S Tuff and andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Lens
335 Kall Sorkh 33 52 0 50 41 0 I Sandy dolomite/Lower Cretaceous MVT Laramide Vein
336 Kallak 35 48 0 51 3 0 I Volcanics and pyroclastics/ Volcanic Pyrenean Unknown
Tertiary(Eocene)
337 Kalleh 36 11 17 54 10 34 S Dolomite/Devonian Sedimentary Hercynian Vein, veinlet,
disseminated
338 Kalout-e-Ahani 33 54 0 58 34 0 I Andesite/Tertiary Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
339 KamarAllah 31 39 10 56 11 58 I Dolomite/Permo-Triassic Mississippi Valley Type Early Cimmerian Vein
340 KamarBarAb 31 39 48 56 11 40 I Dolomite/Permo-Triassic Sedimentary Hercynian Vein
341 Kandeh Nader 33 24 0 50 33 30 I Sandstone and carbonates/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein
Cretaceous
342 Kang Savar 33 15 0 50 51 0 I Sandstone and carbonates/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein
Cretaceous
343 Kangarmaza 33 45 49 49 36 30 I Sandstone and carbonates/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein
Cretaceous
344 Kardan 35 56 30 50 51 50 I Andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
345 Kardodeh (Chah-e- 32 30 52 58 18 18 I Dolomite and limestone/Triassic Hydrothermal Early Cimmerian Vein
Alighorban)
346 Karevangah 31 32 40 56 19 31 S Dolomite/Permo-Triassic MVT Early Cimmerian Vein
347 Karvand 1 33 28 37 51 32 46 S Dolomite/Paleozoic Unknown unknown Lens
348 Karvand 2 33 29 10 51 34 4 S Dolomite/Paleozoic Unknown unknown Lens
349 Kashmar 35 20 0 58 41 0 S Granitoid and volcanics/Tertiary Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
350 Katook 29 12 0 57 21 0 I Andesite/Tertiary Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
351 Kavosh 1 33 38 10 56 12 15 I Massive dolomite and dolomite Hydrothermal Caledonian Vein Cu
limestone/Ordovician
352 Kelisheh 33 32 56 50 0 5 S Shale and sandstone/Jurassic Hydrothermal Late Cimmerian Vein, veinlet
9.1
353 Khan Abad 33 40 0 49 48 0 I Sandstone and carbonates/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein Cu
Cretaceous
354 Khaneh Sormeh 32 42 53 51 14 38 S Dolomite and limestone/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein Cu
Cretaceous (MVT)
355 Khangah Ghoncheh 36 26 0 49 21 0 S Olivine diabase, porphyrite Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Introduction
Khoran monzonite/Oligocene;
356 Khangeh Savar 33 15 22 50 50 42 I Limestone/Lower Cretaceous MVT Laramide Vein
357 Khanj 36 13 0 59 30 0 I Sandstone and shale/Jurassic Unknown Unknown Unknown
358 Khanjar Reshm 35 18 14 54 32 40 S Limestone/Cretaceous Hydrothermal Pyrenean Veinlet,
disseminated
359 Kharestan 28 30 0 60 50 0 I Limestone/Cretaceous Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
360 Kherad Abad 34 1 0 58 39 0 I Shale and Sandstone/Jurassic Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
361 Khormatu 31 35 46 56 4 54 I Dolomite and limestone/Permo- Sedimentary Early Cimmerian Vein
Triassic
362 Khormayou 34 8 35 57 8 45 I Shale, carbonaceous marl, and Hydrothermal Early Cimmerian Vein, veinlet
sandstone/Lower Jurassic
363 Khorram Abad 31 24 45 55 58 20 I Dolomite/Permo-Triassic Sedimentary Early Cimmerian Vein
364 Khougan 1 33 51 0 50 7 0 I Sandy dolomite/Lower Cretaceous Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Unknown
(MVT)
365 Khougan 2 33 51 0 50 9 0 I Sandstone and carbonates/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein
Cretaceous
366 Khuni Kalkafi 33 26 31 54 12 9 I Schist and marble/Upper Hydrothermal Pan-African Stratiformbed
Proterozoic–Lower Paleozoic
367 Khuonj-e-Chupanan 33 22 19 54 56 11 I Limestone/Lower Cretaceous Hydrothermal Late Cimmerian Vein
368 Khusf 32 32 0 58 16 0 I Andesite and dacite/Tertiary Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
369 Klongeh 33 33 20 49 53 30 I Sandstone and carbonates/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein
Cretaceous
370 Kohnehvar 35 41 0 52 40 30 I Pyroclastics/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Unknown
(continued)
447
448
(continued)
371 Kojarestan 33 44 22 49 40 51 I Thick-bedded limestone/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Disseminated
Cretaceous (MVT)
372 Kolah Bid 34 5 18 49 43 19 S Breccia sandstone/Lower Cretaceous Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein Ba
(MVT)
373 Kolah Darvazeh 32 31 10 51 34 0 S Dolomite and limestone/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein
(Iran Kuh) Cretaceous (MVT)
374 Kooreh 33 43 0 49 36 30 I Limestone/Lower Cretaceous MVT Laramide Vein
375 Koppeh Motallebi 32 44 0 51 11 0 I Limestone/Lower Cretaceous Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Unknown
(MVT)
376 Kour Cheshmeh 36 22 0 54 29 0 I Limestone/Mesozoic Hydrothermal Unknown Unknown
Damghan
377 Kuh Gabri 31 43 30 54 16 0 I Limestone/Lower Cretaceous Hydrothermal Laramide Vein
378 Kuh Sang Panbeh 31 33 31 56 29 42 I Dolomite, volcanic, and pyroclastic/ SEDEX Pan-African Vein
Infra-Cambrian
379 Kuh Siah 31 55 37 56 5 26 I Limestone, dolomite/Triassic Hydrothermal Early Cimmerian Vein
380 Kuh Sormeh 28 29 0 52 18 0 M Dolomitic limestone and sandy Mississippi Valley Type Hercynian Vein
dolomite/Upper Permian–Lower (MVT)
Triassic
381 Kuh-e- Alighorban1 32 33 34 58 25 0 S Limestone and dolomite/Upper Sedimentary Early Cimmerian Vein
Triassic
382 Kuh-e- Alighorban2 32 31 38 58 26 17 S Limestone and dolomite/Upper Sedimentary Early Cimmerian Vein
Triassic
383 Kuh-e-Anar 28 31 30 60 52 0 I Andesite and dacite/Miocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
384 Kuh-e-Anar (Seniu) 28 37 0 60 52 30 S Shale and sandstone/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
385 Kuh-e-Atabak 34 26 4 58 31 37 S Pyroclastics/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
386 Kuh-e-Banan 31 25 14 56 16 32 I Dolomite/Permo-Triassic Sedimentary Hercynian Vein
387 Kuh-e-Baroo 33 2 0 50 45 0 I Sandstone and carbonates/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein
Cretaceous
388 Kuh-e-Bashm 35 50 0 53 27 0 I Shale, sandstone, and limestone/ Hydrothermal Pyrenean Unknown
9.1
Jurassic
389 Kuh-e-Bidu 30 10 0 56 43 0 I Limestone/Cretaceous Unknown Laramide Unknown
390 Kuh-e-Bozkoosh 34 20 30 49 24 30 I Limestone and dolomite/Upper Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Unknown
Cretaceous
391 Kuh-e-Cheshmeh 32 30 50 58 26 13 I Dolomite and limestone/Triassic; Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
Introduction
Zardab limestone/Cretaceous
392 Kuh-e-Dandaneh 32 35 0 54 26 0 I Shale and limestone/Permian Hydrothermal Hercynian Unknown
393 Kuh-e-Garmab 32 31 10 58 20 26 I Limestone and dolomite/Upper Sedimentary Early Cimmerian Vein
Triassic
394 Kuh-e-Gerd (Kalleh 31 35 28 56 3 26 S Limestone and dolomite/Middle Mississippi Valley Type Early Cimmerian Vein
gerdoo) Triassic
395 Kuh-e-Ghara 33 42 30 49 48 0 I Sandstone and carbonates/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein
Cretaceous
396 Kuh-e-Hengam 34 7 58 58 55 6 S Intrusive/Tertiary; shale, sandstone, Hydrothermal Pyrenean Unknown
and carbonates/Jurassic
397 Kuh-e-Jamal 33 22 37 57 18 22 I Dolomite and limestone/Lower Hydrothermal Mid-Cimmerian Vein
Triassic
398 Kuh-e-Kaftar 30 29 50 56 21 30 I Limestone and dolomite/Cretaceous Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein
399 Kuh-e-Kolah Ghazi 34 11 0 49 26 0 S Limestone and dolomite/Upper Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein Cu
Cretaceous
400 Kuh-e-Masahim 30 18 6 55 19 13 I Andesite and pyroclastics/Quaternary Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
401 Kuh-e-Mazar 38 33 12 46 10 48 I Syenite/Post-Oligocene; breccia Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein Cu
dacite (or diorite)/Oligocene
402 Kuh-e-Nayband 1 32 26 34 57 20 17 I Shale and limestone/Triassic Sedimentary Early Cimmerian Unknown
403 Kuh-e-Noghreh 33 25 0 49 49 0 I Dark brown sandstone/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein
Cretaceous (MVT)
404 Kuh-e-Qaleh 31 35 26 56 3 26 S Limestone and dolomite/Middle Mississippi Valley Type Early Cimmerian Vein
Triassic
405 Kuh-e-Rose 33 23 38 54 54 5 I Limestone/Lower Cretaceous Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Unknown
(continued)
449
(continued)
450

406 Kuh-e-Rudbar 35 40 56 53 10 30 I Carbonates/Jurassic Hydrothermal Pyrenean Unknown
407 Kuh-e-Sangpanbeh 31 33 31 56 29 42 I Dolomite/Upper Precambrian–Lower Volcanosedimentary Pan-African Vein
Cambrian
408 Kuh-e-Sarchah 32 43 42 51 28 34 I Sandstone and carbonates/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein
Cretaceous
409 Kuh-e-Siah 34 9 28 57 8 19 S Dolomite and limestone/Jurassic Mississippi Valley Type Late Cimmerian Lens
410 Kuh-e-Sorb (Sormeh 35 40 50 53 9 30 S Limestone and dolomite/Jurassic Hydrothermal Pyrenean Veinlet,
Kuh) disseminated
411 Kuh-e-Tappehha-e- 33 22 0 50 44 30 I Sandstone and carbonates/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein
Godar-e-Dour Cretaceous
412 Kuh-e-Yazdan 33 14 51 52 1 5 S Gray sandy limestone/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Veinlet Ag, Co, As
(Southern Cretaceous (MVT)
Faskhud)
413 Kuh-e-Zir Sorkh 33 2 0 50 49 0 I Sandstone and carbonates/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein
Cretaceous
414 Kuhbanam 31 25 14 56 16 32 I Dolomite/Permo-Triassic Sedimentary Early Cimmerian Vein
415 KuhZar 33 50 24 49 50 32 I Limestone and sandstone/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein
Cretaceous (MVT)
416 Kukueyeh 30 23 10 56 32 50 I Dolomite/Permo-Triassic Sedimentary Early Cimmerian Unknown
417 Kur Cheshmeh 36 22 0 54 29 0 I Limestone/Upper Jurassic Hydrothermal Mid-Cimmerian Veinlet Cu, Ba
418 Kuranak Taleghan 36 12 0 50 33 0 I Limestone, volcanics, and Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein, lens
pyroclastic/Paleocene–Eocene
419 Kushk 31 45 30 55 45 0 L Black shale/Upper Precambrian– Massive Sulfide Pan-African Lens
Lower Cambrian
420 La Palang 33 0 32 52 8 43 I Limestone/Upper Cretaceous MVT Laramide Vein
421 La Palangchi 33 0 17 52 2 43 I Dolomite/Mid-Triassic MVT Laramide Vein
422 Lak 35 34 0 49 56 30 I Andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
423 Lakan 33 41 52 49 43 48 S Marl, limestone, and dolomite Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein,
limestone/Cretaceous (MVT) disseminated

424 Lakhouni 33 0 40 52 13 45 S Limestone/Lower Cretaceous Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Veinlet F, Ba
9.1
(MVT)
425 Lali 36 2 36 53 55 30 S Dolomite and limestone/ Hydrothermal Hercynian Veinlet,
Devonian–Carboniferous disseminated
426 Larestan 35 44 30 54 4 15 S Limestone and dolomite/Upper Hydrothermal Laramide Veinlet,
Paleozoic (Devonian) disseminated
Introduction
427 Lashkary 31 36 33 56 3 50 I Limestone and dolomite/Permo- Sedimentary Early Cimmerian Vein

Triassic
428 Laybid 33 26 0 50 42 0 I Sandstone and carbonates/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein Ag, Ba, Cu
Cretaceous
429 Leilan 33 42 49 49 51 50 S Limestone/Lower Cretaceous Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Veinlet, Cu
(MVT) disseminated
430 Look Siah 31 55 37 56 5 26 I Limestone, dolomite, and shale/ Hydrothermal Pyrenean Unknown
Jurassic–Triassic
431 Luk-e-Gabri 31 43 30 54 16 50 I Limestone and dolomite/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein
(Mazraeh Qebleh) Cretaceous
432 Maaden-e-Sorb 29 13 0 58 14 0 I Limestone/Cretaceous Sedimentary Late Cimmerian Unknown
(North of Bam)
433 Magasu 31 21 2 56 8 8 I Limestone/Permo-Triassic Sedimentary Early Cimmerian Vein
434 Mahabad 34 17 9 59 42 30 I Volcanics and pyroclastics/Tertiary Hydrothermal Pyrenean Unknown Ba
435 Mahdi Abad 31 29 0 55 1 30 L Shale, limestone, and dolomite/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Massive
Cretaceous (MVT)
436 Mahdi Shahr 35 45 0 53 19 0 I Sandstone and shale/Middle Jurassic Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Cu, Ba
437 Mahmoud Abad 31 51 52 56 9 0 I Limestone, dolomite, and shale/ Hydrothermal Pyrenean Unknown
Jurassic–Triassic
438 Mahram Taj 32 19 0 53 30 33 I Dolomite, shale, sandstone/Upper SEDEX Pan-African Lens
Cambrian–Lower Cambrian
439 Malayer 34 10 0 49 14 0 I Limestone and dolomite/Upper Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Veinlet
Cretaceous
440 Maneshk 36 14 0 59 34 0 I Granite and metamorphic rocks/ Hydrothermal Hercynian Unknown
Upper Paleozoic–Lower Triassic
(continued)
451
452
(continued)
441 Mansour Abad 31 36 30 53 46 30 S Massive and gray limestone/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Lens and vein
(Amr Abad) Cretaceous
442 Maravand 33 34 17 51 24 58 S Limestone and sandstone/Upper Hydrothermal Early Cimmerian Vein
Triassic
443 Marjan Abad 1 36 47 12 49 29 30 S Siltstone, carbonaceous siltstone, and Hydrothermal Pyrenean Unknown
sandstone/Upper Triassic–Lower
Jurassic
444 Marjan Abad 2 36 46 12 49 27 30 S Tuff/Tertiary; carbonaceous rocks/ Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
Jurassic
445 Mashhad 36 12 0 59 18 0 I Sandstone and shale/Jurassic Unknown Unknown Unknown
446 Mazraeh Sadr 31 46 0 53 26 0 S Andesite and dacite/Tertiary Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
447 Mazraeh Selow 34 9 44 56 32 10 I Dolomite/Mid-Triassic Sedimentary Late Cimmerian Vein,
disseminated
448 Mazraehnow 32 22 50 53 30 32 S Diorite and dolerite/Post-Cambrian; Hydrothermal Pan-African Lens
(Zavareh) dolomite, shale, and sandstone/
Cambrian
449 Mehraneh 34 0 50 56 31 15 S Dolomite/Mid-Triassic Sedimentary Late Cimmerian Vein Cu, Ag,
Cd
450 Mehrjerd 32 15 34 53 51 31 S Andesite and tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
451 Meimeh(Kahru) 33 25 24 51 60 19 S Bedded limestone/Lower Cretaceous Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Veinlet
(MVT)
452 Meyduk 30 25 0 55 10 0 S Andesite and pyroclastics/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
453 Miankuhi 31 57 0 55 53 42 I Dolomite and limestone/ Sedimentary Early Cimmerian Vein F, Ba
Triassic–Jurassic
454 MilaKuh 35 59 30 53 47 47 S Massive and red-layered Hydrothermal Late Cimmerian Veinlet
carbonaceous/Permian
455 Milandar 33 17 34 51 55 10 S Yellow limestone/Mid-Triassic Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein, veinlet
(MVT)
456 Mobarak 32 50 0 51 8 0 I Limestone/Lower Cretaceous MVT Laramide Vein

457 Moghestan 32 35 56 55 11 0 I Shale, sandstone, and dolomite/ Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Stratiformbed
9.1
Lower Cretaceous
458 Moshir 29 21 0 56 44 0 I Carbonates/Cretaceous Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein Cu
459 MostafaLu (1, 2) 36 33 40 49 18 57 I Trachyte and andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
460 Mozd Abad 34 1 0 58 39 0 I Carbonates/Cretaceous; shale, and Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Cu, Ag
sandstone/Jurassic
Introduction
461 Muchan 33 50 40 49 36 37 S Limestone/Lower Cretaceous Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein,

(MVT) disseminated
462 Mujan 34 29 35 50 10 45 S Limestone, sandstone, tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
463 Nabidar 34 10 52 49 8 0 I Silicic sandstone/Lower Cretaceous MVT Laramide Vein
464 Najm Abad 34 10 24 58 54 27 I 1- Intrusive rocks/Tertiary, 2-shale, Hydrothermal Pyrenean Unknown Ag
sandstone, and carbonates/
Jurassic
465 Nakhlak 33 33 52 53 50 19 L Limestone and dolomite/Upper Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
Cretaceous
466 Namar 36 5 0 52 3 0 S Limestone and tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
467 Namegh Kashmar 35 24 0 58 48 0 I Volcanic/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
468 Naser Abad (Abadeh) 31 50 0 53 53 0 S Gray dolomite/Upper Triassic Hydrothermal Early Cimmerian Vein Cu, Ba
469 Naser Abad 1 (Amol) 36 24 0 51 29 0 M Dolomitization limestone/Upper Hydrothermal Hercynian Vein, veinlet
Paleozoic (Carboniferous)
470 Naser Abad 2 36 23 46 51 27 49 M Dolomitization limestone/Upper Hydrothermal Hercynian Vein, veinlet
Paleozoic (Carboniferous)
471 Nasr Abad 31 46 50 53 54 50 S Gray dolomite/Upper Triassic Hydrothermal Early Cimmerian Disseminated
472 Nayband 32 22 0 57 47 0 I Andesite and dacite/Tertiary Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
473 Negin 33 36 59 54 31 42 I Carbonates/Paleozoic Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
474 Negooiem 33 40 0 54 30 0 I Limestone/Lower Cretaceous Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Unknown
475 Neignan 1 34 22 5 57 23 18 S Dolomite and limestone/Mid-Jurassic Mississippi Valley Type Late Cimmerian Vein
(MVT)
476 Neygnan 2 34 22 25 57 19 33 S Dolomite and limestone/Mid-Jurassic MVT Late Cimmerian Vein
(continued)
453
454
(continued)
477 Neyzar 33 18 47 50 34 33 I Sandstone and carbonates/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein
Cretaceous
478 Niarak 36 33 5 49 24 54 I Trachytic to basaltic tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein, veinlet
479 Niaz Morq 33 31 40 51 29 30 S Limestone and sandstone/Upper Mississippi Valley Type Early Cimmerian Veinlet
Triassic (MVT)
480 Nimhoor 33 27 0 51 4 0 I Sandstone and carbonates/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein
Cretaceous
481 Nineh 34 2 17 50 32 7 I Limestone and dolomite/Upper Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein
Cretaceous
482 North of Bam 29 13 0 58 14 0 S Pyroclastics/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
483 North of Sar Chah 32 21 18 58 55 12 I Andesite/Tertiary Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Fe
Shur
484 OrasKuh 35 55 48 53 51 13 S Limestone and dolomite/Permian Hydrothermal Early Cimmerian Unknown
485 Ouran-e-Bozorg 35 50 48 53 14 32 S Limestone and dolomite/Cretaceous Hydrothermal Late Cimmerian Vein, veinlet
486 Ouran-e-Kouchak 35 50 4 53 17 1 S Limestone and dolomite/Cretaceous Hydrothermal Late Cimmerian Vein, veinlet
487 Oushk2 32 57 25 57 28 13 S Reef limestone/Upper Triassic Hydrothermal Early Cimmerian Vein, veinlet
488 Ozbak Kuh 34 39 17 57 7 19 S Porphyry andesite/unknown; Hydrothermal Unknown Stratiformbed,
dolomite, and dolomite vein
limestone/Devonian
489 Ozun darreh 37 27 0 48 10 0 I Andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
490 Pachy Miana 36 3 46 53 16 9 S Limestone/Triassic Hydrothermal Early Cimmerian Vein, lens
491 Pahneh Kamar 32 32 32 58 25 46 I Limestone/Upper Triassic Hydrothermal Early Cimmerian Disseminated Ba
492 Panjsar 33 21 34 51 40 0 S Thick-bedded and gray limestone/ Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Veinlet,
Lower Cretaceous (MVT) disseminated
493 Parachan 36 16 0 50 56 0 I Volcanic pyroclastic/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
494 Parmagasu 35 24 15 54 36 45 I Andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Veinlet
495 Pasar 36 58 0 49 5 0 S Intrusive rocks/Tertiary; phyllite Hydrothermal Pyrenean Unknown
and schist/unknown
496 Pashtuk 36 41 15 47 37 30 S Amphibolite and marble/Upper Massive Sulfide Pan-African Vein
9.1
497 Pay Negin 29 25 29 56 56 5 I Andesite and basalt/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein, veinlet
498 Paychamtu va 36 31 37 54 40 10 S Limestone/Jurassic Hydrothermal Late Cimmerian Veinlet, lens
Barfakeh
499 Pazanou 32 22 54 50 37 0 I Sandstone and carbonates/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein Cu
Introduction
Cretaceous
500 PeyKuh (Oushk1) 32 57 58 57 28 13 S Reef limestone/Upper Triassic Hydrothermal Early Cimmerian Veinlet
501 Piazkesh 36 48 0 50 40 0 S Limestone and dolomite/Triassic Hydrothermal Early Cimmerian Veinlet
502 Pinavand 33 32 0 51 38 0 I Dolomite and limestone, schist/ Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein, Cu, Fe
Lower Cambrian(?) disseminated
503 Pirhaji 33 23 0 50 42 0 I Sandstone and carbonates/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein
Cretaceous
504 Pirhaji 34 17 9 57 34 0 S Dolomite and limestone/Permo- Mississippi Valley Type Late Cimmerian Vein Ba, Cu
Triassic
505 Pish Kuh 34 7 17 55 4 8 I Limestone and dolomite/Cretaceous Hydrothermal Unknown Massive, veinlet,
disseminated
506 PolSefid 33 21 0 49 58 0 I Limestone/Lower Cretaceous MVT Laramide Vein
507 Posht-e-Asiab Hendeh 33 23 0 50 0 49 I Sandstone and carbonates/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein
Cretaceous
508 Posht-e-Badam 32 58 0 55 22 0 I Metamorphic rocks/Upper Hydrothermal Pyrenean Unknown
Cretaceous–Lower Tertiary
509 Potkestan 32 29 0 54 30 0 I Limestone and dolomite/Permian Hydrothermal Hercynian Unknown
510 Qaleh 34 42 14 57 13 24 S Limestone and dolomite/ Hydrothermal Caledonian Vein
Carboniferous
511 Qaleh Arab (Hoseyn 32 38 12 50 59 55 S Schist, gneiss, and metamorphic Hydrothermal Pan-African Vein
Abad) volcanics/Precambrian
512 Qaleh Chah 33 35 30 58 7 24 S Shale/Lower Jurassic Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
513 Qaleh Madar 34 42 14 57 13 24 S Limestone/Carboniferous Mississippi Valley Type Late Cimmerian Vein, veinlet
514 Qaleh-ye-Esfandiar 35 42 30 51 3 30 I Limestone/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
(continued)
455
(continued)
456

515 Qanat-e-Marvan 29 21 5 56 45 54 S Andesite, andesibasalt, and tuff/ Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein, veinlet
Mid-Oligocene–Lower Miocene
516 Qaramilk 33 43 0 49 36 30 I Shale/Lower Jurassic MVT Late Cimmerian Vein
517 Qez An 33 41 50 51 22 43 I Andesitic lava and pyroclastics/ Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Cu
Eocene
518 Qolleh Kaftarha 35 30 37 54 54 32 S Porphyrite dacite/Eocene– Oligocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein, veinlet Ba, Mn,
Cu
519 Qomeishlu 32 3 0 51 30 0 I Limestone/Lower Cretaceous Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Unknown
(MVT)
520 Qomsheh 33 4 0 51 55 0 S Sandstone and carbonates/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein
Cretaceous
521 Ramu 33 45 0 54 34 0 I Carbonate/Paleocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Disseminated
522 Rana Abad 33 23 0 49 55 0 I Limestone/Lower Cretaceous MVT Laramide Vein
523 Rashid Abad 37 6 25 48 23 24 I Volcanics and volcanoclastics/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Disseminated F
524 Rashk and Mashkuh 36 29 23 51 4 55 S Limestone/Triassic Hydrothermal Early Cimmerian Vein Cu, Ag
525 Ravanj 1 34 10 0 50 43 0 M Dolomite and limestone/Mid- Hydrothermal Pyrenean Lens
Cretaceous
526 Ravanj 2 34 10 40 50 43 31 S Limestone/Lower Cretaceous Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
527 Ravar 31 38 30 57 0 2 I Dolomite/Mid-Triassic Sedimentary Early Cimmerian Vein
528 Razan 33 52 29 49 34 32 I Thick-bedded limestone/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein
Cretaceous (MVT)
529 Reghe 33 48 0 57 14 0 I Reef limestone/Jurassic MVT Late Cimmerian Vein
530 Reihan 31 7 25 56 43 40 I Dolomite/Permo-Triassic Sedimentary Early Cimmerian Vein Ba
531 Reskan 34 33 26 50 9 16 I Tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein, veinlet
532 Reza Abad 35 51 36 53 31 8 S Limestone/Upper Cretaceous Sedimentary Laramide Veinlet,
disseminated
533 Rezabarag 35 49 40 53 28 18 S Gray limestone/Upper Cretaceous Sedimentary Laramide Veinlet
534 Rezavand 34 11 12 48 59 40 I Limestone and dolomite/Upper Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Stratiformbed Cu
Cretaceous
535 Rig Kalaghi 31 53 39 56 6 31 S Massive dolomite/Permian Hydrothermal Early Cimmerian Vein Cu
9.1
536 Rivasar 34 46 45 50 19 45 S Tuff and andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Lens Cu

537 Rizab-e-Maryam 33 48 28 53 11 8 I Red sandy conglomerate/Eocene– Hydrothermal Pyrenean Disseminated
Oligocene; tuffite/Eocene
538 Robai 35 22 0 54 27 45 I Andesite and dacite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
539 Robat (Arreh Gijeh) 33 46 0 49 46 0 L Limestone and marl/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Stratiformbed, Fe, Au,
Introduction
Cretaceous (MVT) lens Ag, Cu

540 Robat (Takht-e- 33 45 0 49 46 37 S Limestone/Lower Cretaceous Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein,
Hoseyn) (MVT) disseminated
541 Robat 1 33 45 21 49 46 48 S Limestone/Lower Cretaceous MVT Laramide Vein
544 Robat Anarak-e- 33 1 0 55 9 0 I Limestone/Cretaceous Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Unknown
Posht-e-Badam (MVT)
545 Robat Paien 33 46 10 49 47 30 I Limestone/Lower Cretaceous MVT Laramide Vein
546 Robat Zilli 2 33 32 2 50 13 12 S Sandstone and carbonates/Lower MVT Laramide Vein
Cretaceous
547 Robat-e-Bala 33 44 46 49 47 30 I Sandstone and carbonates/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein
Cretaceous
548 Robat-e-Kerman 30 21 35 56 35 1 I Dolomite and limestone/ Sedimentary Early Cimmerian Vein
Triassic–Jurassic
549 Robat-e-Zilli 1 33 30 8 50 13 51 I Sandstone and carbonates/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein
Cretaceous
550 Roft 29 39 0 56 43 0 I Pyroclastics/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
551 Roghani 33 44 30 49 35 0 I Sandstone/Lower Jurassic Unknown Unknown Unknown Fe
552 Roman 33 39 0 53 22 0 I Sandstone and andesite basalt/ Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
Eocene–Oligocene
553 Rutshun (Esfandagheh 28 35 55 56 18 5 I Basic dike, calc, and dolomite marble Hydrothermal Early Cimmerian Vein
1) and green schist/Devonian
554 Sadegh Abad 31 44 0 54 20 30 S Limestone/Cretaceous Sedimentary Laramide Vein
(continued)
457
458
(continued)
555 Sadegh Abad 32 38 55 50 50 2 I Sandstone and carbonates/Jurassic Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein
556 Sadr Abad 31 42 0 54 27 0 I Limestone/Lower Cretaceous Hydrothermal Laramide Vein
557 Saghand 32 29 0 55 14 0 I Limestone/Cretaceous Unknown Laramide Unknown
558 Said Abad 34 20 0 57 26 0 I Marl, limestone/Jurassic MVT Late Cimmerian Vein
559 Saied Abad 35 8 55 60 11 55 I Pyroclastics/Tertiary; carbonates/ Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
Triassic
560 Saki Bala 33 49 36 49 50 49 S Sandstone and shale/Lower Jurassic Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein Cu, Fe
(MVT) and SEDEX
561 Saki Paien 33 48 0 49 48 0 S Limestone/Lower Cretaceous MVT Laramide Vein
562 Saleh Peighambar 33 24 53 50 33 17 S Orbitolina limestone/Mid-Cretaceous Hydrothermal Laramide Vein
(Bagh-e-Bandkuh)
563 Salek 33 42 20 49 41 30 I Sandstone and carbonates/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein
Cretaceous
564 Sang Sayyad 29 39 40 56 45 30 I Andesite/Upper Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Unknown
565 Sang-e-Sefid 33 54 0 49 39 0 I Sandstone and carbonates/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein
Cretaceous
566 Sangkar 35 20 40 54 27 50 S Gray limestone/Devonian (Upper Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
Paleozoic)
567 Sangoubal 37 3 0 49 5 0 I Carbonates/Paleozoic Volcanic Hercynian Unknown
568 Sangsar 35 45 0 53 19 0 I Shale, sandstone, and limestone/ Hydrothermal Pyrenean Unknown
Jurassic
569 Sara 29 13 0 55 12 0 I Dolomite/Devonian Unknown Caledonian Unknown
570 Sarbisheh-ye-fulad 36 8 0 53 38 30 S Limestone/Upper Devonian–Lower Hydrothermal Hercynian Disseminated Cu, Ag
Mahalleh Carboniferous
571 Sarchelnoo 32 24 56 57 22 58 I Shale and limestone/Triassic Sedimentary Early Cimmerian Unknown
572 Sarkahnow 28 47 6 61 8 15 I Shale and sandstone/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
573 Sarlash 35 48 16 53 3 49 S Limestone/Upper Cretaceous Sedimentary Laramide Vein
574 Sartakht-e-Bahram 33 36 0 57 14 0 I Shale and limestone/Jurassic MVT Laramide Vein

575 Sarv 33 47 0 49 42 0 I Sandstone and carbonates/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein
9.1
Cretaceous
576 Savad Kuh 33 25 0 49 56 0 I Limestone/Lower Cretaceous MVT Laramide Vein
577 Savojbolagh 36 2 0 50 45 0 I Carbonates/Jurassic Hydrothermal Pyrenean Unknown
578 Se 33 24 0 51 37 0 S Sandstone and carbonates/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein
Cretaceous
Introduction
579 Sechah 28 45 50 56 30 35 I Basic dike, calc, and dolomite marble Hydrothermal Early Cimmerian Vein
and green schist/Devonian
580 Sechangi 32 32 43 58 2 52 I Andesite and dacite/Paleogene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
581 Sedar 31 35 24 56 2 8 I Limestone and dolomite/Permo- Sedimentary Early Cimmerian Vein
Triassic
582 Sefid Khal 32 44 0 51 13 0 I Limestone/Lower Cretaceous Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Unknown
(MVT)
583 Seh Changi 32 32 23 58 2 10 S Andesite and dacite/Tertiary (Eocene) Volcanic Pyrenean Vein Cu, Ba, Au
584 Sekarnab 36 18 0 50 19 0 I Volcanics and volcanoclastics/ Volcanic Pyrenean Unknown
Tertiary Carbonates/Paleozoic
585 Semnan 35 48 0 53 18 0 I Shale, sandstone, and limestone/ Hydrothermal Pyrenean Unknown
Jurassic
586 Senjetoo (Deh Asgar) 31 46 23 56 12 31 S Dolomite/Permo-Triassic Hydrothermal Early Cimmerian Lens, veinlet Cu
587 Shah Ali Beiglu 37 21 24 48 10 8 S Andesitic tuff and tuffaceous Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
(Babin) sandstone/Eocene
588 Shahmirzad 35 43 55 53 16 30 S Chert, limestone/Upper Cretaceous Sedimentary Laramide Vein
589 Shakhab 36 2 16 53 54 0 S Massive limestone, dolomitic Hydrothermal Hercynian Vein, veinlet,
limestone/ disseminated
Devonian–Carboniferous
590 Shakin 35 54 0 49 20 0 M Limestone and dolomite/Permian Hydrothermal Hercynian Veinlet
591 Shams Abad 33 48 0 49 44 0 I Sandstone and carbonates/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein
Cretaceous
592 Sharif Abad 34 6 0 51 12 0 S Andesite and limestone/Eocene Skarn Pyrenean Lens, vein
593 Sheykh Ahmad 28 43 15 60 55 0 I Shale/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
(continued)
459
(continued)
460

594 Shilandar 36 49 20 48 41 30 S Tuff and tuffite/Eocene (Karaj Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Ba, Ag
formation)
595 Shourabeh AbbasAbad 33 25 35 54 33 56 S Schist and marble/Upper Hydrothermal Pan-African Vein Cu
Proterozoic–Lower Paleozoic
596 Shur Cheshmeh 36 2 51 53 52 55 S Limestone, dolomitic limestone/ Hydrothermal Hercynian Veinlet F
(Shurab) Devonian–Carboniferous
597 Shurab 33 34 33 58 34 33 S Dacite/Paleogene; shale/Lower Hydrothermal Pyrenean Veinlet, Ba
Jurassic disseminated
598 Siah Cheshmeh 36 18 16 54 40 24 S Limestone/Mid–Upper Permian Hydrothermal Hercynian Veinlet,
disseminated
599 Siah Darreh 36 31 5 54 4 55 I Limestone/Upper Jurassic Hydrothermal Mid-Cimmerian Veinlet
600 Siah Kamar 31 12 56 59 3 27 I Andesite and pyroclastics/Tertiary Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
601 Siah Kuh 32 47 0 53 56 10 I Limestone/Precambrian Hydrothermal Pan-African Vein
602 Siahoo 32 57 0 51 1 0 I Sandstone and carbonates/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein
Cretaceous
603 Sibzar 34 37 0 57 10 30 S Thick-bedded to massive gray Hydrothermal Hercynian Vein
dolomite/Upper Precambrian–
Lower Cambrian
604 Sineh Kuh 36 12 14 54 12 50 I Limestone/Devonian Hydrothermal Hercynian Vein
605 Sira 36 2 0 51 8 0 I Pyroclastics/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Unknown
606 Soltan Abad 34 18 12 48 54 25 S Dolomite and limestone/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Lens
Cretaceous (MVT)
607 Soltan Abad 34 53 0 49 37 0 I Pyroclastics/Eocene Volcanic Pyrenean Unknown Cu, Ag, Sb
608 Somagh 36 23 0 49 21 0 I Tuff and andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
609 Sorb 33 19 22 54 46 59 I Limestone/Lower Cretaceous Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
610 Sormeh Chal 34 14 20 48 54 25 S Limestone and dolomite/Upper Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Stratiformbed Cu, F
Cretaceous
611 Soumarubar 37 13 0 48 47 0 S Limestone/Mid–Upper Permian Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
612 Sourmagh 36 32 0 49 21 0 I Tuff and andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein

613 South East Of Kuh-e 34 11 19 48 59 50 S Limestone/Cretaceous MVT Laramide Vein, veinlet
9.1
Kolahbid
614 South Of Abkhorak 1 34 15 57 57 6 31 S Limestone and dolomite/Triassic Hydrothermal Mid-Cimmerian Vein
Introduction
618 South of Bailaq 1 33 33 0 49 59 49 I Sandstone and carbonates/Lower MVT Laramide Vein

Cretaceous
619 South of Bailaq 2 33 45 0 49 46 37 I Sandstone and carbonates/Lower MVT Laramide Vein
Cretaceous
620 South of Dadkin 33 17 10 54 57 6 I Limestone/Mesozoic Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
621 South of Klongeh 33 42 0 49 53 0 I Sandstone and carbonates/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein
Cretaceous
622 Southeast of 33 52 0 50 41 0 I Sandstone and carbonates/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein
Kal-e-Sorkh Cretaceous
623 Southwest of Lachah 30 24 11 55 9 41 I Andesite and pyroclastics/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
624 Suk 33 43 31 49 41 6 I Thick-bedded limestone/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein, veinlet
Cretaceous (MVT)
625 Surakh-e-Tarik 32 16 0 54 25 0 I Limestone and dolomite/Lower Sedimentary Laramide Stratiformbed,
Cretaceous vein
626 SynehKuh 36 12 14 54 12 50 S Limestone/Devonian Hydrothermal Hercynian Veinlet, Cu, Fe
disseminated
627 Tabas 33 32 0 56 9 0 I Shale, limestone, and dolomite/Upper Skarn Early Cimmerian Vein
Triassic
628 Tafresh 34 38 18 50 3 7 l Dolomite, limestone/Cretaceous Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
629 Taft 31 43 45 54 10 50 S Shale, marl, and massive limestone/ Sedimentary Laramide Vein, veinlet
Lower Cretaceous
630 Taj Kuh 31 26 15 55 57 14 S Limestone dolomite/Permo-Triassic Mississippi Valley Type Early Cimmerian Stratiformbed
(MVT)
631 Tajareh 35 14 0 49 41 32 I Carbonates/Oligo-Miocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Unknown
(continued)
461
(continued)
462

632 Takht Kuh 33 45 0 50 45 0 I Sandstone and carbonates/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein
Cretaceous
633 Takhtabi Zanjani 36 31 45 54 40 55 I Dolomitic limestone/Jurassic Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
634 Takht-e-Payzendegani 36 32 5 54 40 55 S Massive and large-layered limestone/ Hydrothermal Late Cimmerian Veinlet
Upper Jurassic
635 Takieh 33 51 22 49 38 30 I Marl, limestone/Lower Cretaceous MVT Laramide Vein
636 Taknar 35 22 0 57 47 0 I Volcanics/Tertiary; schist/ Hydrothermal Pyrenean Stratiformbed
Precambrian
637 Taleh Dizak, Darreh 33 23 0 49 58 30 I Dolomite and limestone/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Disseminated
Farah, Cretaceous (MVT)
Cheshmehvar,
Darreh Garmeh
638 Talkhab 34 13 10 56 33 5 S Dolomite/Triassic Sedimentary Late Cimmerian Vein,
disseminated
639 Tambali 33 49 0 49 32 0 I Limestone, dolomite/Lower MVT Laramide Vein
Cretaceous
640 Tangal-e-Ghar 31 38 46 56 2 23 S Limestone and dolomite/Permo- Mississippi Valley Type Early Cimmerian Lens
Triassic (MVT)
641 Tangeh 35 25 27 54 35 15 S Volcanics and pyroclastics/ Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
Eo-Oligocene
642 Tangol-e-Bala 33 19 14 54 47 9 I Dolomite and limestone/Lower Hydrothermal Laramide Vein
Cretaceous
643 Tangol-e-Khoriti 34 50 0 57 15 0 I Dolomite and limestone/Upper Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
Precambrian
644 Tanureh 35 20 30 54 26 15 I Limestone and dolomite/Devonian Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
645 Tappeh Sorkh (yazd) 31 45 6 56 16 6 S Dolomitic limestone and dolomite/ MVT Early Cimmerian Vein, lens
Permo-Triassic
646 Tappeh Tagh (Bidoo) 34 51 56 57 20 50 S Dolomite and phyllite/Upper Hydrothermal Early Cimmerian Vein
Precambrian; igneous body/
Post-Precambrian
647 Tar 33 26 4 51 43 47 I Sandstone/Upper Triassic; basaltic Hydrothermal Early Cimmerian Veinlet,
9.1
dike and partial of limestone/ disseminated

Mid-Triassic
648 Taraz 31 22 0 56 27 39 S Dolomite/Permo-Triassic Sedimentary Early Cimmerian Vein
649 Taraz Ravar 31 22 0 56 27 39 S Limestone and dolomite/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein
Cretaceous
Introduction
650 Tashud 34 16 55 56 35 48 I Dolomite/Mid-Triassic Sedimentary Early Cimmerian Vein

651 Teymoor Mahallat 33 27 0 51 4 0 I Shale, limestone, sandstone/Triassic MVT Laramide Vein
652 Tikan 1 33 21 40 50 34 49 I Shale and marl/Mid-Cretaceous Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Unknown Fe, Cu
(MVT)
653 Tikan 2 33 22 58 50 36 46 l Shale and marl/Mid-Cretaceous Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Unknown
654 Tobe Asli 36 6 0 53 55 0 I Shale, sandstone, limestone, and Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
dolomite/Jurassic
655 Tochal 35 35 0 51 41 0 I Andesite/Eocene Volcanic Pyrenean Unknown
656 Tomburli 33 31 13 49 34 7 S Sandstone/Jurassic Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein Ba
(MVT)
657 Torogh 33 19 52 51 47 26 S Sandstone/Lower Jurassic Hydrothermal Early Cimmerian Veinlet, lens
658 Toureh 34 2 0 49 15 30 I Limestone and dolomite/Upper Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Unknown Cu
Cretaceous
659 Tout 32 31 0 54 26 0 I Dolomite/Upper Precambrian–Lower Hydrothermal Pan-African Unknown F
Cambrian
660 Tuyehdarvar 36 1 20 53 47 27 S Limestone and shale limestone/ Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Veinlet, vein, Polymetal
Jurassic Lens
661 Valucheh 36 17 0 53 46 0 I Sedimentary rocks/Upper Paleozoic Unknown Hercynian Unknown
662 Varrin 1 34 5 48 50 25 45 I Limestone and dolomite/Upper Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Lens
Cretaceous
663 Vejin Bala 32 44 24 51 8 57 S Limestone/Lower Cretaceous Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein Ag
(MVT)
664 Vejin Paien 32 43 35 51 9 35 S Limestone/Lower Cretaceous Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein
(MVT)
(continued)
463
(continued)
464

665 VishanTekiyeh 33 51 22 49 38 30 S Limestone/Lower Cretaceous Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein, lens
(MVT)
666 West of Agricheh 33 46 0 49 59 0 I Sandstone and carbonates/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein
Cretaceous
667 West of Kachuieh 32 17 42 51 9 43 S Sandstone and carbonates/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein
Cretaceous
668 West of Kalot-e- 32 36 49 51 58 39 I Sandstone and carbonates/ Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein
Chapdouni Triassic–Jurassic
669 West of Klongeh 33 33 0 49 52 0 I Sandstone and carbonates/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein
Cretaceous
670 Yazd 34 22 0 57 19 0 I Dolomite and limestone/Mid-Jurassic MVT Late Cimmerian Vein
671 Yurt Baba 36 31 20 54 37 10 S Massive and large-layered Limestone/ Hydrothermal Late Cimmerian Veinlet
Upper Jurassic
672 Zafreh 32 55 8 52 16 24 S Dolomite and limestone/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein, veinlet
Cretaceous (MVT)
673 Zaghoo 31 46 13 56 14 56 S Dolomite and limestone/Permo- Mississippi Valley Type Early Cimmerian Lens
Triassic (MVT)
674 Zah 34 26 21 52 22 20 S Trachyandesite/Lower Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
675 Zajegan-e-Sofla 36 16 46 49 25 12 S Breccia tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein,
disseminated
676 Zakaria 36 1 30 53 52 37 S Crystalline limestone/ Hydrothermal Hercynian Veinlet, F
Devonian–Carboniferous disseminated
677 Zali 36 21 16 54 4 5 S Sandstone/Jurassic (Lias) Sedimentary Early Cimmerian Veinlet, Ba
disseminated
678 Zangoulu 33 3 30 50 42 0 I Sandstone and carbonates/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein
Cretaceous
679 Zar Abad 36 29 0 50 27 0 I Basalt/Tertiary; carbonates/ Hydrothermal Pyrenean Unknown
Cretaceous
680 Zar Shokuh 35 21 40 54 37 40 I Andesite and tuff/Eocene– Oligocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
681 Zarankab 38 39 29 46 44 32 I Unknown Hydrothermal Unknown Vein
9.1
682 Zarbisheh 36 6 0 53 24 0 I Limestone, dolomite/Permo-Triassic Hydrothermal Late Cimmerian Vein

683 Zarigan (Zireh 32 3 0 55 33 0 S Intrusive and volcanic rocks/Upper Hydrothermal Pan-African Stratiformbed,
khaman) Precambrian–Lower Cambrian vein
684 Zarrin Dasht 35 36 0 52 38 0 I Pyroclastics/Eocene; carbonates/ Hydrothermal Pyrenean Unknown
Cretaceous
Introduction
685 Zaru-e-Abarghu 31 44 40 53 24 35 S Granodiorite/Oligo-Miocene; Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein

thick- to mid-bedded limestone/
Lower Cretaceous
686 Zarvan 35 46 0 52 46 0 I Sandstone and shale/Jurassic Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Unknown
687 Zefreh 32 55 8 52 16 24 I Dolomite/Mid-Triassic Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein Cu, Ag,
Au, Co
688 Zeh Abad 36 28 0 49 25 0 S Porphyrite monzonite/Oligocene; Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein Cu
tuff/Eocene
689 Zendegan 33 25 0 49 56 0 I Limestone/Cretaceous MVT Laramide Vein
690 Zeresh Amiriyeh 33 32 0 50 0 0 I Sandstone and carbonates/Lower Mississippi Valley Type Laramide Vein Cu
Cretaceous
691 Zeresh Kuh 35 21 40 54 37 40 S Andesite/Eocene–Oligocene Unknown Unknown Vein, veinlet
692 Zizgan 34 31 30 50 10 35 S Tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
693 Zour Abad 35 26 0 60 51 0 I Intrusive and volcanic rocks/Tertiary; Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Ba
carbonates/Triassic
465
Complete list of bauxite mineral deposits and indications of Iran along with their detailed specifications
466

1 Abgarm-e-Qazvin 35 30 0 49 30 0 S Limestone/Permian Surface Alteration Early Cimmerian Lens
2 Aghajari 36 34 22 46 36 0 S Limestone and sandstone/Permo-Triassic Surface Alteration Late Cimmerian Lens
3 Aineh varzan-Delichay 35 45 0 52 15 0 I Dolomite/Triassic; limestone/Permian Surface Alteration Early Cimmerian Stratiformbed
4 Alamut 35 24 49 50 35 20 S Black shale and sandstone/Jurassic; Surface Alteration Early Cimmerian Stratiformbed
limestone and dolomite/Permo-
Triassic
5 Aliabad-e-Karaftu 36 15 0 47 0 0 S Limestone and dolomite/Permo-Triassic Surface Alteration Late Cimmerian Stratiformbed
6 Alibalta-va-Kordkandi 36 42 24 46 42 30 S Dolomite/Triassic; quartzitic sandstone/ Surface Alteration Late Cimmerian Stratiformbed
Permian
7 Bazargan 30 27 49 57 1 34 S Dolomite, shale, and sandstone/ Surface Alteration Late Cimmerian Lens
Permo-Triassic
8 Bolboluiyeh 30 12 0 57 18 0 S Shale and sandstone/Upper Surface Alteration Early Cimmerian Stratiformbed
Triassic;dolomite/Mid-Triassic
9 Chagharlu 36 20 0 46 45 0 S Dolomite, marl, sandstone, and limestone/ Surface Alteration Late Cimmerian Stratiformbed
Permian
10 Chapu 36 59 35 46 58 39 S Dolomite/Triassic; limestone/Permian Surface Alteration Late Cimmerian Stratiformbed
11 Chekcheku 32 15 0 54 22 0 S Shale and sandstone/Jurassic; dolomite Surface Alteration Mid-Cimmerian Lens
and limestone/Permian
12 Dasht-e-Zar 31 15 0 51 15 0 S Shale, sandstone, and dolomite/Permian Surface Alteration Late Cimmerian Lens
13 Durak 31 48 30 50 44 30 S Limestone and dolomite/Triassic; dolomite Surface Alteration Late Cimmerian Stratiformbed
Permo-Carboniferous
14 Ganow 36 4 5 53 48 29 I Shale and sandstone/Jurassic; dolomite Surface Alteration Mid-Cimmerian Stratiformbed
and limestone/Triassic
15 Gheshlagh 36 45 0 55 15 0 S Carbonaceous rocks/Triassic; limestone Surface Alteration Late Cimmerian Stratiformbed
and siltstone/Permian
16 Golcharmu- 36 28 27 46 29 42 I Limestone/Permian Surface Alteration Hercynian Stratiformbed
Sarighomeish
17 Haft Cheshmeh 31 45 0 50 15 0 S Dolomite and shale/Triassic; limestone/ Surface Alteration Late Cimmerian Stratiformbed
Permian
18 Hengam 28 24 0 52 23 0 S Marl limestone/Upper Cretaceous Surface Alteration Laramide Stratiformbed
9.1
19 Jajarm 37 2 30 56 33 0 S Shale and sandstone/Jurassic; dolomite/ Surface Alteration Mid-Cimmerian Lens

Triassic; limestone/Carboniferous
20 Kal-e-Jafar Agha 36 49 7 56 7 8 S Shale and sandstone/Jurassic; dolomite Surface Alteration Mid-Cimmerian Stratiformbed
(Jahan Abad) and limestone/Triassic
21 Khatb-e- 37 9 0 46 26 0 S Limestone and shale/Upper Permian Surface Alteration Late Cimmerian Stratiformbed
Introduction
Maragheh(Khatib)
22 Kombolu 35 59 30 53 53 20 S Tuff/Eocene; limestone/Jurassic Surface Alteration Pyrenean Stratiformbed
23 Nilchian Dopelan 31 55 0 50 30 0 S Limestone and dolomite/Permo-Triassic Surface Alteration Late Cimmerian Stratiformbed
24 North of Hoseyn Abad 36 40 3 45 54 0 I Limestone/Permian Surface Alteration Late Cimmerian Stratiformbed
25 North of Yazd 32 0 0 54 45 0 S Shale and sandstone/Jurassic; dolomite Surface Alteration Mid-Cimmerian Lens
and limestone/Permian
26 Nowruz Abad 36 49 0 46 46 0 S Dolomite/Triassic; limestone/Permian Surface Alteration Late Cimmerian Stratiformbed
27 Reza Abad 36 0 49 53 33 20 S Shale and sandstone/Jurassic; dolomite Surface Alteration Mid-Cimmerian Stratiformbed
28 Sadr Abad 31 50 0 53 45 0 S Limestone, shale, and sandstone/Upper Surface Alteration Early Cimmerian Lens
Triassic–Lower Jurassic; limestone/
Mid-Triassic
29 Sarchaveh 35 0 0 49 30 0 S Carbonaceous rocks/Permo-Triassic Surface Alteration Early Cimmerian Lens
30 Sarfaryab 30 45 0 50 37 0 S Limestone and marl/Upper Cretaceous Surface Alteration Laramide Lens
31 Shah Bolagh 35 45 0 53 25 0 S Shale and sandstone/Jurassic; dolomite/ Surface Alteration Early Cimmerian Lens
Triassic
32 Shahmirzad 35 47 41 53 21 12 S Shale and sandstone/Jurassic; dolomite Surface Alteration Early Cimmerian Stratiformbed
33 Siahrudbar and Shirin 36 38 0 55 1 30 S Conglomerate and sandstone/Jurassic; Surface Alteration Mid-Cimmerian Stratiformbed
Abad dolomite and limestone/Triassic and lens
34 Sorkh Hesar 35 4 22 60 14 40 S Limestone and dolomite/Mid–Upper Surface Alteration Early Cimmerian Stratiformbed
Triassic
35 Southwest of Kalijeh 36 39 35 45 53 12 I Limestone/Permian Surface Alteration Late Cimmerian Stratiformbed
36 Taveh Qoran 36 30 0 46 0 0 I Limestone and dolomite/Permo-Triassic Surface Alteration Late Cimmerian Stratiformbed
37 Zan 35 37 55 52 3 20 I Limestone/Jurassic Surface Alteration Mid-Cimmerian Stratiformbed
467
Complete list of gold mineral deposits and indications of Iran along with their detailed specifications
468

1 Abbas Abad Aynalu 38 53 0 46 50 30 I Granite/Upper Eocene–Lower Skarn Pyrenean Vein Cu
Oligocene; volcanic rocks/Eocene;
2 Abdar 30 18 0 55 19 0 I Altered porphyry intrusive/Oligo- Porphyry Post-Pyrenean Disseminated, Cu, Pb, Ag
Miocene stockwork
3 Agh Darreh 36 40 0 47 10 0 S Limestone/Miocene Epithermal Pyrenean Vein (lens) Sb, Ag
4 Aghamira 38 49 30 46 39 0 I Andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Cu(Ag)
5 Aghuran 37 24 30 47 30 30 S Rhyodacite and trachyandesite/Eocene Epithermal Pyrenean Vein
6 Ali Abad-e-Musavi 35 30 25 49 58 14 I Volcanic and pyroclastic rocks/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
7 Ali javad 38 39 5 46 55 33 S Monzonite/Oligo-Miocene, andesite, Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Disseminated Cu
and basalt/Quaternary
8 Alvand 36 18 46 49 10 50 I Granite and granodiorite/Upper Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Cu, Fe, Zn, Pb,
Eocene–Lower Oligocene Ag, As
9 Alvand-e-Hamedan 34 44 0 48 28 30 I Granite and hornfels/Upper Hydrothermal Laramide Disseminated Ag
Cretaceous–Paleocene; schist/ and vein
Upper Jurassic–Lower Cretaceous
10 Alvand-e-Hamedan 34 44 0 48 28 30 I Alluvial/Quaternary Placery Post-Pyrenean Placer
11 Anarak 32 45 0 55 12 0 S Granite, metavolcanics, and marble/ Hydrothermal Pan-African Lens Cu, Pb, Zn, W,
Upper Proterozoic Bi, As, Fe,
Ag
12 Anguran Chay 36 39 28 47 28 45 M Alluvial/Quaternary Sedimentary Post-Pyrenean Placer Ag, W, Pb, Zn
13 Anjedan 32 57 46 50 20 7 I Shale, Marl, and limestone/Cretaceous Hydrothermal Laramide Vein Pb, Ba
14 Anjerd-e-Olya 38 40 20 46 55 12 I Granite/Oligocene; andesite/Eocene; Skarn Post-Pyrenean Vein and veinlet Cu, Ag
15 Arabshah-e-Garus 36 24 0 47 20 10 I Schist and marble/Precambrian Epithermal Pyrenean Vein and veinlet As, Ba
16 Arghash (Cheshmeh 35 52 30 58 36 20 M Granite/Eo-Oligocene; volcanics/ Epithermal Pyrenean Vein
Zard) Eocene
17 Armudagh 37 46 0 47 59 0 I Andesite and tuff/Miocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein Cu, Ag
18 Asagi 30 37 25 60 12 6 I Andesite and dacite/Oligocene–Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein and veinlet Cu, Fe, Ag
19 Ashin 33 31 46 53 24 46 I Quartz keratophyre, plagiogranite Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein, veinlet, Cu
9.1
and gabbro/Eocene lens

20 Astaneh 33 50 8 49 19 0 S Microgranodiorite/Cretaceous Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
21 Astaneh 33 52 0 49 20 0 S Alluvial/Quaternary Placery Post-Pyrenean Placer
22 Ay Qalehsi 36 20 0 47 22 0 S Limestone and tuff/Oligo-Miocene Epithermal Post-Pyrenean Vein Zn, Pb
23 Bab Kahnuj 29 18 0 57 15 30 I Granite/Oligo-Miocene; volcanics/ Porphyry Post-Pyrenean Vein Cu
Introduction
Eocene
24 Baghdeh I Granite and granodiorite/Oligo- Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Cu
Miocene; volcanics and
pyroclastics/Eocene
25 Bagheraey 28 46 0 57 11 0 I Andesitic lava/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Cu
26 Barika (Alut) S Metavolcanics/Upper Cretaceous Hydrothermal Laramide Vein and veinlet Ba
27 Bayche Bagh 36 52 15 47 18 40 S Hydrobreccia andesite and porphyry Catathermal Post-Pyrenean Vein Cu, Zn, Pb, Ag
dacite/Oligo-Miocene (Polymetal)
28 Bibi shahr banu 35 19 0 51 54 0 S Andesite/Eocene Mesothermal Pyrenean Vein Pb, Cu
29 Bid Mohammad 35 24 0 54 25 0 S Volcanoclastics/Mid-Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Cu
Hasan
30 Bolboli 29 34 0 56 15 30 I Diorite/Post-Eocene; limestone Skarn Pyrenean Vein, veinlet, Cu, Fe
and tuff/Eocene disseminated
31 Borjak 35 19 18 57 41 46 I Rhyolite/Paleozoic; schist/Precambrian Hydrothermal Hercynian Massive, lens Cu, Fe, Ag, Pb,
Zn
32 Buteh Alam 33 34 35 53 45 0 I Porphyry granite/Eocene; limestone Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Fe, Pb
and sandstone/Post-Triassic
33 Chah Ali Khan 33 23 0 53 8 0 I Andesite, basalt, tuff, and tuffite/ Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Cu, Bi
Eocene
34 Chah Gaz 29 30 45 55 2 0 S Granodiorite, schist, and limestone/ Massive sulfide Late Cimmerian Vein Cu, Pb, Zn
Permo-Triassic
35 Chah Gir 33 21 0 53 28 0 I Andesite/Upper Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Veinlet Cu, Pb, Ag
36 Chah mesi 30 24 30 55 10 0 S Porphyry diorite/Oligo-Miocene; Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein Cu, Pb, Zn, Ag
andesite porphyry, megaporphyry
trachyandesite/Eocene
(continued)
469
(continued)
470

37 Chah mileh 33 26 0 53 48 30 I Schist and limestone/Upper Hydrothermal Pan-African Lens, vein Pb, Zn, Cu, W,
Proterozoic–Lower Cambrian Ag, Sb, Ni
38 Chah musa 35 30 0 54 55 0 S Granite and diorite/Upper Eocene– Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Cu, Ag
Lower Oligocene; volcanics/
Eocene
39 Chah Zaghu 32 0 31 59 17 35 I Granite/Tertiary; carbonate, silicic Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Cu
vein/Cretaceous
40 Chahar Gonbad 29 35 30 56 11 0 S Quartz diorite/Early Miocene; Porphyry Post-Pyrenean Vein, CuPb, Zn, Ag
volcanosedimentary rocks/Eocene disseminated
41 Chah-e-chahar nafari 31 49 30 59 58 0 I Listwanite and limestone/Upper Hydrothermal Laramide Disseminated Cu, Pb, Zn, Mo,
Cretaceous–Lower Paleogene Fe
42 Chal I Volcanics and pyroclastics/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
43 Chalpu (Kuh Sorkh) 35 38 0 58 27 0 S Sedimentary rocks and pyroclastics/ Epithermal Pyrenean Vein As, Sb, (Hg)
Eocene
44 Chamtal (Agha Ali) 38 42 0 46 10 50 I Granodiorite/Upper Eocene–Lower Skarn Pyrenean Vein Cu, Fe
Oligocene; volcanoclastic rocks
45 Chant 35 43 30 57 26 0 I Sedimentary rocks/Paleocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Cu
46 Chare Darreh 38 49 40 46 20 20 I Granitic rocks/Oligocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein and veinlet
47 Chargerd 36 26 30 49 5 0 I Tuff and andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein (lens) Ag, Cu
48 Cheshmeh Ghan 38 44 16 46 23 48 I Limestone, shale, volcanic rocks/ Skarn Pyrenean Vein and veinlet Cu, Fe
Cretaceous; granite Ordoubad/
Eocene
49 Cheshmeh Hafez 35 24 57 54 44 59 I Granite and granodiorite/Upper Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Cu
Eocene–Lower Oligocene;
andesite, dacite, rhyolite,
and tuff/Eocene
50 Cheshmeh Sefid 35 21 0 54 41 20 I Andesite and dacite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein and veinlet Cu
51 Cheshmeh Shurab 33 26 40 53 22 10 I Serpentinite/Upper Proterozoic–Lower Hydrothermal Pan-African Vein Cu, Ni, Ag
Paleozoic
52 Chichalku 36 25 0 47 22 0 I Schist and marble/Precambrian Epithermal Pyrenean Vein and veinlet Zn, Pb
9.1
53 Damaneh 29 12 20 57 12 0 I Porphyrite quartz diorite/Oligo- Porphyry Post-Pyrenean Disseminated Cu

and tuff/Eocene
54 Dar Bagh 27 9 0 57 48 0 I Andesite/Eocene–Oligocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein Cu
55 Dar Bagh 33 39 50 48 16 40 I Pillow lava, tuff, and limestone/ Volcanic Hercynian Vein
Introduction
Paleozoic
56 Darestan 35 27 0 54 36 30 S Granodiorite/Early Eocene, breccia Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Cu
tuff and andesite/Mid-Eocene
57 Dargiaban 29 7 30 60 57 30 S Locogranite/Post-Eocene; schist/ Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Ag, As, Sb
Eocene
58 Darreh Hamzeh 28 54 0 57 51 0 S Porphyry granitoid/Oligo-Miocene; Porphyry Post-Pyrenean Vein Cu, Mo, Ag, Fe
andesite, trachyandesite, and (very low)
dacite/Eocene
59 Darreh Zereshk 31 33 30 53 51 0 S Granodiorite/Oligo-Miocene; andesite, Epithermal Post-Pyrenean Vein Cu, Ag
trachyte, sandstone, and limestone/
Tertiary
60 Dashkasan (Sari 35 12 0 48 5 0 L Dacite and rhyodacite/Pliocene; Epithermal Post-Pyrenean Vein Sb, As, Ag, Hg
Dagh) limestone/Lower Miocene
61 Dastgerd 27 10 16 57 12 48 I Alluvial/Quaternary Placery Post-Pyrenean Placer
62 Divaneh Dar 36 0 0 57 27 0 I Andesite and basalt/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein and veinlet Cu
63 Dizehjine 36 39 30 49 5 15 S Granodiorite/Post-Eocene; andesite/ Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein and veinlet Cu, Pb, Zn
Eocene
64 Do Zarad Akhtar 29 40 0 56 51 20 I Pyroclastics/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Cu, Ag
65 Dowlat Abad 29 9 33 57 13 9 I Granodiorite/Oligo-Miocene; Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein and veinlet Cu
66 Dozal 38 51 10 46 14 30 I Diorite and granodiorite/Oligo- Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Miocene
67 Dustbeyglu 38 33 30 47 33 55 S Intrusions/Oligo-Miocene; andesite/ Epithermal Pyrenean Vein and veinlet Polymetal
Eocene
68 Eshtovin 38 53 0 46 22 0 I Granite and granodiorite/Upper Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
(continued)
471
(continued)
472

69 Gandy 35 19 0 54 38 0 S Tuff and sedimentary rocks/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein and veinlet
70 Garoos 38 19 30 46 1 39 I Marl, shale, and sandstone/Upper Sedimentary Post-Pyrenean Massive
Miocene
71 Gavkamar 37 18 28 48 16 35 I Monzonite/Post-Eocene; green tuff/ Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Ag, Sb, As
Eocene (epithermal)
72 Gharachilar 38 50 48 46 23 0 S Granite and granodiorite/Upper Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein cu, Mo(Ag), W
73 Ghare Chy 38 51 0 46 23 0 I Granite and granodiorite/Upper Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
74 Ghasam Abad 33 48 0 52 23 0 I Volcanosedimentary/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Pb, W, Cu, Ag
75 Gheichagh 37 41 3 47 2 47 I Andesite/Oligocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Cu, Zn, Pb, Ag
76 GomushUlan 38 35 0 46 43 0 I Granodiorite/Eocene– Oligocene; Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Cu(Pb, Ag)
77 Gorgab 3 33 59 40 52 28 0 I Dike of granodiorite porphyry, dacite, Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Pb, Zn, Cu, Ag
and andesite/Upper Eocene; schist/
Paleozoic
78 Gowd 32 55 0 54 29 0 I Marble and schist/Upper Precambrian Hydrothermal Pan-African Vein Zn, Pb (Cu, Ag,
Hg)
79 Gowd-e-Morad 33 24 37 53 31 28 S Metamorphic rocks/Upper Proterozoic Hydrothermal Pan-African Lens Polymetal
80 Gowzal Bologh 36 27 0 46 37 0 I Granite and granodiorite/Tertiary Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Cu
81 Gudarzi 32 51 0 53 12 0 I Listwanite/Upper Cretaceous Hydrothermal Laramide Vein Cu
82 Gurcheh berenj 33 50 0 54 2 0 I Limestone/Oligo-Miocene Skarn Post-Pyrenean Vein and veinlet Cu, Pb, Ba, Ag
83 Gurva 34 0 0 54 36 29 I Granodiorite/Upper Jurassic; schist Hydrothermal Pan-African Vein Cu, Pb, Zn, Co,
and marble/Proterozoic Mo
84 Halil Rud 28 54 0 57 6 0 I Young alluvial/Quaternary Placery Post-Pyrenean Placer
85 Helmesi 37 41 0 47 31 0 I Rhyodacite and andesite/ Hydrothermal Pyrenean Disseminated Cu
Eocene–Miocene
86 Hengaran 32 4 55 59 14 0 I Granite/Tertiary; listwanite/Upper Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
Cretaceous
87 Hyred 31 56 22 59 12 10 S Granite, granodiorite, and tuff/Upper Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Cu
9.1
Cretaceous
88 Jushin 29 4 5 57 37 30 I Andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Cu
89 Kakiyeh 35 21 0 54 40 0 I Tuff and sedimentary rocks/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein and veinlet Cu
90 Kal Kafi 33 24 0 54 14 0 S Schist/Upper Precambrian; microgran- Porphyry Pyrenean Disseminated Cu, Mo
ite, quartz monzosyenite porphyry/
Introduction
Eocene
91 Kalateh Teymour 35 25 5 58 20 40 S Granite and granodiorite/Early Eocene; Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
volcanics/Eocene
92 Kavand 36 37 30 48 8 30 S Dolomite/Upper Precambrian Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein (lens) Fe, Ag, W
93 Keyghal 38 37 0 46 41 44 I Microdiorite, diorite, and granodiorite/ Porphyry Pyrenean Disseminated Cu, Pb, Zn
Upper Eocene; andesitic tuff, and veinlet
pyroxene andesite, and quartz
andesite/Upper Cretaceous–Mid-
Eocene
94 Khalifehlu 36 19 0 49 14 0 S Rhyolite, andesite, and trachyte/ Epithermal Pyrenean Vein and veinlet Cu, Ag, Pb, Zn
Eocene mesothermal
95 Khangoul 39 13 43 44 7 24 S Ophiolite melange/Upper Cretaceous Hydrothermal Laramide Vein
96 Kharvana 38 32 30 46 15 30 S Granodiorite/Oligo-Miocene; Epithermal Post-Pyrenean Disseminated Cu
(Kharvanagh) sedimentary rocks/Paleocene and vein
97 Khoin Rud 38 41 45 46 36 10 S Monzodiorite porphyry/Oligo- Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Disseminated (Ag, Cu, As, Sb,
Miocene; andesite and trachyte/ (epithermal) Hg)
Eocene
98 Khuni 33 26 35 54 12 8 S Dolomite and dolomitic marble/Upper Hydrothermal Pan-African Vein Cu, Zn, Pb, Ag
Precambrian; volcanics/Eocene
99 Khunik 32 23 31 59 7 12 S Microdiorite and andesitic dike, Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
latite–andesite/Early Eocene
100 Kilisa kandy 38 49 38 46 10 0 I Volcanics and pyroclastics/Oligo- Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein and veinlet
Miocene
101 Koruyan 36 8 0 46 6 0 S Metamorphic rocks/Cretaceous Hydrothermal Laramide Vein
102 Kuh Zar (Baghu) 35 26 30 54 38 45 S Granodiorite/Upper Eocene; volcanic Mesothermal Pyrenean Vein Cu, turquoise
rocks/Mid-Eocene
(continued)
473
474
(continued)
103 Kuh Zar (Baghu) 35 26 30 54 38 45 S Alluvial/Quaternary Placery Post-Pyrenean Placer
104 Kuh Zar (Torbat-e- 35 21 58 58 54 20 S Granite and granodiorite/Upper Epithermal Pyrenean Vein Cu, Ag
Heydariyeh) Eocene–Lower Oligocene
105 Kuh-e-Dom 33 59 39 52 51 30 S Granite and granodiorite/Oligocene; Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Cu, Ag
(Gharghar) lava and pyroclastic/Eocene
106 Kuh-e-Janja 31 12 58 60 21 48 I Porphyry hornblende granite/ Hydrothermal Pyrenean Veinlet Cu, Ag, Mo
Oligocene; volcanics, pyroclastics,
107 Kuh-e-Lar 29 41 21 60 53 36 S Intrusive body/Tertiary; carbonaceous Porphyry Post-Pyrenean Disseminated Cu, Mo
and flysch/Paleocene
108 Kuh-e-Mearaji 33 10 49 54 11 29 I Dolomite and limestone/Permian Hydrothermal Hercynian Vein Pb, Zn
109 Kuh-e-Zar Arak 33 51 0 49 49 0 I Sandy dolomite, sandstone, and Hydrothermal Late Cimmerian Vein Pb, As, Ag, Co
conglomerate/Lower Cretaceous
110 Kuhiyan 36 46 30 48 52 0 S Granite/Oligocene; tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein and veinlet
111 Latala 30 25 51 55 10 57 I Volcanics/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Cu
112 Maranjab 34 15 0 51 48 0 I Granodiorite and volcanics/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Pb, Cu
113 Mardan Qom 38 50 0 46 33 0 S Granodiorite porphyry/Eocene– Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Cu(Ag), Au
(Mirdanal) Oligocene; volcanosedimentary/
Cretaceous–Eocene
114 Masjed Daghi 38 52 30 45 56 10 I Volcanics and pyroclastics/Oligo- Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein Cu
Miocene
115 Mazraeh 38 39 0 47 4 0 S Granite/Eocene–Oligocene; tuff and Skarn Pyrenean Vein (lens) Cu(Ag), Au
ignimbrite/Eocene; limestone/
Upper Cretaceous
116 Mazraeh Seyed Ali 32 13 22 59 50 40 S Silica/Cretaceous Epithermal Laramide Vein
117 Meskani 33 19 0 53 28 0 S Trachyandesite and basalt/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein, veinlet Cu, Ni, Co, Ag
118 Muteh 33 34 0 50 45 0 L Schist/Upper Precambrian–Lower Hydrothermal Pan-African Vein and veinlet Cu, Fe
Cambrian
119 Nabijan 38 46 30 46 48 30 S Quartz monzodiorite/Oligo-Miocene; Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein, veinlet, Zn, Pb, Fe, Sb,
9.1
marl, and limestone/Cretaceous lens Hg, Cu

120 Nadushan 31 48 51 53 21 3 S Tuff and tuffite/Eocene; dolomite Hydrothermal Pyrenean Lens Polymetal
limestone and limestone/Paleozoic
121 Naibandan 38 46 30 46 48 30 S Monzodiorite porphyry/Oligo- Skarn Post-Pyrenean Vein Zn, Pb, Fe
Miocene; volcanic and limestone/
Introduction
Eocene
122 Noghdouz 38 23 0 47 19 0 S Granodiorite/Early Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Ag, Cu
123 North of Bazman 28 17 30 60 1 12 S Volcanics and pyroclastics/Miocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein, veinlet, Ag
disseminated
124 North of Kamkueyh 30 24 0 55 9 0 I Porphyry dike/Early Eocene; volcanic Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
rocks/Eocene
125 Olang-e-Firuz Kuh 35 25 0 60 52 30 I Diorite and shale/Lower Jurassic Hydrothermal Mid-Cimmerian Vein
126 Oshar 38 52 20 45 47 0 I Rhyolite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
127 Pahnavar 38 49 35 46 10 43 I Intermediate intrusive rocks/Miocene; Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
(Nowjemehr) volcanics/Oligo-Miocene
128 Pas Qaleh 35 52 30 51 30 0 S Andesite, trachyandesite, and tuff/ Hydrothermal Pyrenean Stratiformbed, Polymetal
Eocene lens
129 Pice of gold Eastern 33 14 0 54 1 0 I Listwanite bearing gold or conglomer- Unknown Pan-African A piece of gold Sb
Torkemani ate/Pliocene with weight
60 gr.
130 Pir Bolaghi 38 52 0 46 22 50 I Granite and granodiorite/Upper Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein and veinlet
131 Qaleh (West of Asad 29 42 0 56 39 0 I Volcanics and sedimentary/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
abad)
132 Qaleh Narp 29 42 0 56 41 30 I Andesite, pyroclastics, microdiorite, Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Cu, Ag
sandstone, and conglomerate/Late
Eocene,
133 Qaleh Sardar va 34 4 0 52 12 0 I Volcanics and quartzite veins/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Pb, Cu
Talbur
134 Qaleh Zary 31 49 43 58 55 15 S Andesite, dacite, and basalt/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Cu, Fe, Pb, Zn
135 Qaleh-jugh 35 18 30 58 56 8 S Volcanosedimentary/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
(continued)
475
476
(continued)
136 Qebleh 33 27 0 53 26 0 I Trachyandesite/Eocene; limestone/ Hydrothermal Pyrenean Veinlet Cu, Ag
Lower Cretaceous
137 Rashid Abad 37 6 0 48 22 0 S Andesite and rhyodacite/Eo-Oligocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein and veinlet Cu, Fe(Ag)
138 Razligh 38 8 0 47 32 0 I Andesite, dacite, and rhyolitic tuff/ Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
Eocene
139 Revesht (Hoseyn 33 42 30 49 11 30 I Granite/Jurassic Hydrothermal Mid-Cimmerian Vein W, Cu
Abad)
140 Sabzevaran 28 37 10 57 56 30 I Granodiorite/Oligocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
141 Sahlehgou 33 23 25 53 27 30 I Limestone/Cretaceous; shale/Jurassic Hydrothermal Late Cimmerian Vein Cu, Ag
142 Samagh 37 6 0 48 22 0 I Granodiorite/Post-Eocene; andesite Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein and veinlet Zn, Pb, Cu, Ag
and dacite porphyry/Eocene
143 Sarajiyeh 33 59 12 52 4 14 I Volcanics/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Pb, W, Cu, Ag
144 Sar-Cheshmeh 29 56 40 55 52 20 S Granodiorite/Miocene; andesite/ Porphyry Post-Pyrenean Disseminated Cu, Mo, Ag
Eocene
145 Sar-e-Kuh 29 55 50 55 46 0 S Granodiorite/Oligo-Miocene; Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Veinlet, Cu
disseminated
146 Sarha 35 23 0 54 35 0 I Breccia tuff and tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
147 Sarikhanlu 38 33 33 47 33 57 S Volcanics and pyroclastics/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein and veinlet
148 Sarnow 30 13 0 54 56 0 I Quartz diorite porphyry/Oligocene; Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein, veinlet, Cu
volcanics/Eocene disseminated
149 Senjedeh 37 20 0 48 13 0 S Andesite and sandy tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Polymetal
150 Sharaf Abad-Hizeh 38 37 7 46 29 52 S Monzodiorite/Mio-Pliocene; Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein Cu, Co, Zn, Pb
jan trachyandesite and tuff/Eocene
151 Shekarab 33 40 22 55 20 0 I Tuff, andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Veinlet Cu, Mo, Ag
152 Shend-e-Mohammad 35 32 24 58 4 34 S Rhyolite/Post-Jurassic; shale and Hydrothermal Late Cimmerian Vein Sb, Ag
sandstone/Jurassic
153 Shurchah-e-Almasaki I Granodiorite/Oligocene; siltstone Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Sb, As
and sandstone/Eocene
154 Siah Jangal 28 46 28 61 13 28 I Porphyry diorite/Oligocene; shale, Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein, veinlet Fe, Mn, Pb
9.1
sandstone/Eocene
155 Siah Rud 38 46 21 46 12 48 I Volcanic rocks, sandstone, shale, and Volcanic Post-Pyrenean Vein
tuff/Oligo-Miocene
156 Siasetorgi 30 35 18 60 26 44 S Granodiorite and hornfels/ Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Cu
Eocene–Oligocene
Introduction
157 Solado Gol I Serpentinite/Upper Cretaceous Hydrothermal Laramide Veinlet

158 Soltan Baba 36 41 24 49 5 36 I Acidic intrusions/Oligo-Miocene; Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Pb, Zn, Cu, Ag
volcanics/Eocene
159 Sorfeh Paeyn 29 19 38 57 19 29 I Andesite and pyroclastics/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein Cu
160 South of Tabriz 38 3 19 46 16 56 I Rhyolite, dacite, and tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean lens
161 Sungoun 38 41 30 46 42 20 S Porphyry micromonzonite/Miocene; Porphyry, skarn Post-Pyrenean Lens Cu(Mo, Pb)
limestone/Cretaceous Disseminated
162 Taknar 35 21 55 57 46 24 S Granite/Precambrian; slate and Massive sulfide Pan-African Massive Cu, Pb, Zn, Au
phyllite/Precambrian (Ag)
163 Talarji 33 26 20 54 2 30 I Schist and limestone/Upper Hydrothermal Pan-African Veinlet Cu, Pb
Proterozoic–Lower Cambrian
164 Talkhe 33 20 8 53 35 0 S Schist, marble/Upper Precambrian– Hydrothermal Pan-African Veinlet, lens Ni, Co, U, Au,
Lower Cambrian Ag
165 Talhe (Cheshmeh 34 2 42 52 49 14 I Andesite and acidic tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Sr, Pb(Ba)
Talhe)
166 Tall-e-Siah 33 23 0 54 55 48 S Porphyry diorite/Eocene; red bed Hydrothermal Pyrenean Veinlet Cu, Pb, Ba
and evaporites/Jurassic
167 Talmesi 33 22 40 53 27 30 S Trachyandesite and basalt/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein, veinlet, Cu, Ni, Co, Ag
disseminated
168 Tar I Silica iron lens and sandy limestone Hydrothermal Early Cimmerian Vein, veinlet, Pb, Zn, Ba, Cu
dolomite/Mid-Triassic disseminated
169 Tarik Darreh 35 19 30 60 39 0 S Diorite/Post-Jurassic; shale and Hydrothermal Early Cimmerian Vein W
sandstone/Jurassic
170 Tickmedash 37 49 0 47 56 0 I Rhyodacite/Oligo-Miocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Fe, W, Ag
(continued)
477
478
(continued)
171 Torghabeh 36 19 0 59 25 0 S Granodiorite/Upper Paleozoic–Lower Hydrothermal Late Cimmerian Vein Ag, Cu, Fe, W
(Daghestan) Triassic
172 Tovazari 33 25 24 54 21 9 I Granodiorite/Upper Jurassic; schist Hydrothermal Late Cimmerian Vein Cu, Co, Ni
and marble/Proterozoic
173 Turah I Serpentinite/Upper Cretaceous Hydrothermal Laramide Veinlet
174 Tuzgi I Hornfels/Tertiary Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Sb, As
175 Tuzlar 36 50 0 47 28 0 S Andesite/Oligo-Miocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein Cu, Ag
176 Urus Morghi 29 9 30 57 10 30 I Granite/Oligo-Miocene; rhyolite, Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Cu
177 Yaromghiyeh 38 41 0 45 5 0 I Mica-schist, hornblende schist, gabbro, Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Lens
and pyroxenite/Upper Cretaceous–
Lower Paleogene
178 Yousoflu-Noghduz 38 23 30 47 19 2 I Alkali granite, monzogranite porphyry/ Epithermal Post-Pyrenean Lens Cu
Oligocene
179 Zaglik 38 36 22 47 20 51 S Granite and granodiorite/Oligocene; Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
andesite and tuff/Eocene (Epithermal)
180 Zanjireh 38 21 0 45 17 0 I Marl, shale, and sandstone/Upper Placery Post-Pyrenean Massive
Miocene
181 Zarmehr 35 14 11 58 58 41 S Alluvial/Quaternary Sedimentary Post-Pyrenean Placer
182 Zarrin 32 40 30 54 37 30 S Granite/Pre-Cretaceous; metamor- Hydrothermal Late Cimmerian Vein W
phosed shale and sandstone/
Jurassic
183 Zarrin Khoy 38 42 0 45 6 0 I Gneiss, schist, and mica-schist/Upper Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Cretaceous–Lower Paleogene
184 Zarrine-rekab 38 40 0 46 45 0 S Andesite and subvolcanics/ Epithermal Pyrenean Disseminated Cu, Zn, Pb, Ag
Eocene–Oligocene
185 Zarshuran 36 43 0 47 8 0 L Marble and black shale/Precambrian Epithermal Pyrenean Disseminated, Sb, As, Hg, Zn
veinlet
186 Zartarasht 28 12 18 57 12 40 S Volcano-green schist/Devonian Hydrothermal Hercynian Vein, veinlet, .
9.1
lens
187 Zeh Abad 36 28 0 49 25 10 S Intrusive rocks/Eo-Oligocene; Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Zn, Pb, Ag
volcanoclastics and volcanics/
Eocene
188 Zenooz 38 35 30 45 49 38 I Rhyolite, dacite, and tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Lens
Introduction
189 Ziyakuh 36 59 24 50 8 34 S Volcanics/Mesozoic Hydrothermal Unknown Vein
479
480
Complete list of antimony, arsenic, and mercury mineral deposits and indications of Iran along with their detailed specifications
No. Name D° M S″ D° M S″ Size Host rock/age mineralization phases Morphology Type
1 Ferdows (Shurab) 33 34 54 58 6 49 I Shale/Jurassic; rhyolite and andesite/Tertiary Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Sb
2 Khuni 33 33 34 53 23 8 I Argillized rocks/Mid-Eocene; tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Hg
3 Nakhlak 33 32 42 53 49 14 I Limestone and sandstone/Triassic and Hydrothermal Laramide Vein Hg
Upper Cretaceous
4 Pateyar 33 19 57 53 47 23 S Red sandstone/Oligo-Miocene; schist and Telethermal Post-Pyrenean Vein Sb
dolomite/Upper Precambrian–Lower
Cambrian
5 Saleh Abad 33 0 28 53 54 27 I Silicified keratophyre, phyllite/Cretaceous Hydrothermal Laramide Vein Hg
6 Torkemani 33 13 43 54 1 52 S Marble/Upper Precambrian–Lower Cambrian Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein and veinlet Sb
7 Gonabad 34 10 13 58 59 56 I Granite/Tertiary Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Sb
8 Posht-e-Kalleh 34 20 49 57 22 13 S Volcanic rocks/Tertiary; limestone, shale, Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Sb
Nignan marble, and sandstone/Upper Jurassic;
volcanics/Tertiary
9 Dashkasan 35 12 0 48 5 0 L Porphyry microgranite and Epithermal Post-Pyrenean Vein Sb
(Sarigona) microgranodiorite, dacite, and
rhyodacite/Pliocene–Pleistocene
10 Chalpu Kuh-e-Sorkh 35 37 30 58 27 30 S Tuff and marl and sandstone/Eocene Epithermal Pyrenean Vein, veinlet, Sb
disseminated
11 Ghosun (Kashmar) 35 29 0 58 18 0 I Flysch/Cretaceous–Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Sb
12 Kuh-e-Sorkh 35 29 39 58 23 0 I Tuff/Tertiary Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein Sb
13 Shend-e-Mahmud 35 32 24 58 4 34 S Rhyolite/Upper Eocene–Lower Oligocene Epithermal Pyrenean Vein Sb
14 Shurab 35 33 0 58 4 0 S Rhyolite/Upper Eocene–Lower Oligocene Epithermal Pyrenean Vein, veinlet Sb
15 TakSanguta 35 37 15 58 8 45 I Sandstone and tuff/Paleogene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Sb
16 Taktanur (Kalateh 35 35 40 58 20 30 S Andesite and tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Veinlet As
Choubak)
9.1
17 West of Torbat-e- 35 17 19 58 34 53 I Rhyolite, andesite, and tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein As

Heydariyeh 1
18 West of Torbat-e- 35 20 39 58 32 47 I Rhyolite, andesite, and tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein As
Heydariyeh 2
19 Agh Darreh 36 40 38 47 0 20 I Andesite/Miocene; sedimentary/ Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein Sb
Oligo-Miocene
Introduction
20 Balar Ghani 36 43 21 47 6 14 I Schist and marble/Precambrian; volcanic/ Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein Sb

Tertiary
21 Ghareh Zagh 36 39 11 46 49 17 I Schist and volcanics and sedimentary rocks/ Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Disseminated Hg
Lower Cambrian; andesite, and
limestone/Eocene
22 MoghanLu 36 38 0 48 47 53 S Gneiss and granite/Post-Miocene; limestone Epithermal Pyrenean Vein Sb
and sandstone and shale/Plio-
Quaternary
23 Zarshuran 36 43 0 47 8 0 I Marble and black shale/Precambrian Epithermal Pyrenean Veinlet, As
disseminated
24 Zarshuran 36 42 5 47 7 39 S Andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Unknown Sb
25 Kelisa Kandi 38 51 0 46 10 0 I Limestone/Oligo-Miocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein As
26 Valilu 38 21 40 46 50 20 S Contact of volcanics and sedimentary rocks/ Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein, veinlet, As
Oligo-Miocene disseminated
27 Khangoli 39 3 15 44 23 11 S Limestone and serpentinite/Upper Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein, veinlet, Hg
Cretaceous disseminated
28 Arsenic in the I Unknown Hydrothermal Unknown Vein As
Torbat-e-Jam
29 Sefidabeh I Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Sb
30 SeQaleh S Rhyolite/Upper Eocene–Lower Oligocene Epithermal Pyrenean Vein Sb
31 Torbat-e-Jam I Volcanics/Tertiary; sedimentary rocks/ Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein and veinlet Sb
Antimony Permian
481
482
Complete list of kaolin mineral deposits and indications of Iran along with their detailed specifications
1 Ghazan daghi 36 6 0 49 34 0 L Rhyolite/Paleocene Surface Alteration Pyrenean Massive Alunite
2 Azarguyuni 36 41 0 47 15 0 L Andesite/Oligo-Miocene Surface Alteration Post-Pyrenean Unknown Badeleite
3 Blueteluk 38 34 45 45 48 45 L Andesite and carbonates/ Surface Alteration Post-Pyrenean Lens Ball clay
Tertiary
4 Chah kular robat 33 21 8 56 3 18 L Sedimentary rocks/ Sedimentary Hercynian Lens Boaxite
khan Permo-Triassic
5 Dasht-e-Kalat 35 30 0 53 39 0 L Sedimentary rocks/Eocene Surface Alteration Post-Pyrenean Stratiformbed Boaxite and
fire clay
6 Kaboutar Kuh 34 13 0 58 58 0 S Limestone and shale/Jurassic Surface Alteration Laramide Massive Clay
7 Ab-garm Mahallat 34 2 0 50 30 0 L Sedimentary rocks/Jurassic Surface Alteration Post-Pyrenean Stratiformbed Clay
8 Bagh Siah 34 25 15 58 34 44 L Volcanics/Eocene Surface Alteration Laramide Vein and veinlet Clay
9 Maki Kashmar 35 35 0 58 22 0 S Rhyodacite/Eocene Surface Alteration Pyrenean Lens Clay
10 Shurjeh bolagh 35 31 0 53 50 0 S Volcanics/Eocene Surface Alteration Pyrenean Lens Clay
11 Vijeh 31 22 0 52 46 14 L Sedimentary/Permo-Triassic Sedimentary Hercynian Stratiformbed Clay
12 Zilig 38 31 30 46 56 0 S Sedimentary Rocks/Pliocene Surface Alteration Pyrenean Massive Clay
13 Sahah bolagh 36 39 55 48 5 0 S Granite/Precambrian Surface Alteration Pan-African Massive Feldspar
14 Istisu 36 0 0 47 0 0 S Volcanics, tuff, and sandstone/ Surface Alteration Post-Pyrenean Massive Fire clay
Tertiary
15 Kandaj 34 52 0 50 2 0 I Acidic tuff/Eocene Surface Alteration Post-Pyrenean Stratiformbed Fire clay
16 Kandi Bad Ab 35 20 0 54 40 0 L Volcanics/Eocene–Oligocene Surface Alteration Pyrenean Massive Fire Clay
17 Kavir16 31 21 51 52 35 3 L Sedimentary rocks/ Sedimentary Hercynian Stratiformbed Fire Clay
Permo-Triassic
18 Kuh-e-Atabak 3 34 26 8 58 36 49 I Tuff/Eocene Surface Alteration Post-Pyrenean Unknown Green clay
19 Zoghal Choob 34 6 45 58 27 20 I Granite/Eocene Surface Alteration Post-Pyrenean Unknown Green clay
20 Ab-Torsh 36 21 0 49 32 0 S Volcanics/Eocene Surface Alteration Pyrenean Vein Illite
21 Kusk Nosrat 35 7 13 50 56 0 L Acidic volcanics/Eocene Surface Alteration Post-Pyrenean Massive Illite
22 Nikouiyeh 36 17 0 49 32 0 S Acidic volcanics/Tertiary Surface Alteration Post-Pyrenean Massive Illite

23 South of Atabak Kuh 34 25 15 58 34 44 S Tuff/Eocene Surface Alteration Post-Pyrenean Lens Illite
9.1
24 Niagh 36 22 0 50 4 0 M Volcanics/ Surface Alteration Post-Pyrenean Lens Laterite

Neogene–Quaternary
25 Hajib 35 32 0 50 2 0 M Rhyolite/Eocene Surface Alteration Pyrenean Stratiformbed Yellow clay
26 Abadeh 33 9 32 52 47 1 S Rhyolite to dacite/Eocene Surface Alteration Post-Pyrenean Lens to
Stratiformbed
Introduction
27 Abak 37 30 0 47 30 0 I Volcanics/Tertiary Surface Alteration Post-Pyrenean Unknown

28 Abdol Abad 36 10 48 50 9 30 S Andesite/Tertiary Surface Alteration Post-Pyrenean Stratiformbed,
massive
29 Abdollah 31 15 12 52 43 31 L Sedimentary rocks/ Surface Alteration Pyrenean Unknown
Permo-Triassic
30 Alanghiyeh 36 11 20 49 36 30 S Rhyolite/Paleocene Surface Alteration Pyrenean Massive
31 Amir Nan 36 12 1 50 32 9 I Rhyolite, andesite, and tuff/ Surface Alteration Post-Pyrenean Unknown
Eocene
32 Azadi 31 21 51 52 35 30 S Claystone, sandstone, and Sedimentary Hercynian Stratiformbed
clay-bearing Fe/
Permian–Triassic
33 Bibijanlu 38 20 0 48 45 0 S Unknown Surface Alteration Post-Pyrenean Massive
34 Chah Bid 32 26 0 56 15 0 L Sedimentary rocks/ Sedimentary Hercynian Stratiformbed
Permo-Triassic
35 Chapu Shahindezh 36 59 35 46 58 39 S Sedimentary rocks/ Sedimentary Hercynian Stratiformbed
Permo-Triassic
36 Cheshmeh Shotoran 33 26 10 56 11 22 M Sedimentary rocks/ Sedimentary Hercynian Unknown
Permo-Triassic
37 Doplan 31 13 2 51 43 20 L Sedimentary rocks/ Sedimentary Hercynian Stratiformbed
Permo-Triassic
38 Drehjazin 35 40 0 53 38 0 L Acidic Volcanics/Eocene Surface Alteration Pyrenean Stratiformbed
39 East of Rudkhaneh 35 28 32 50 59 30 I Rhyolite, andesite, and tuff/ Surface Alteration Post-Pyrenean Unknown
Shur Eocene
40 Esteghlal 31 15 8 52 43 25 S Shale, sandstone, sandy Sedimentary Hercynian Stratiformbed
limestone/Devonian
(continued)
483
484
(continued)
41 Gavazn 37 44 0 48 15 0 L Sedimentary rocks/Neogene Surface Alteration Post-Pyrenean Unknown
42 Ghezel Gheshlagh 34 52 0 49 40 0 I Rhyolite and tuff/Eocene Surface Alteration Pyrenean Stratiformbed
43 Isisu 1 36 42 0 46 58 0 L Sedimentary rocks/Neogene Surface Alteration Post-Pyrenean Massive
44 Isisu 2 36 59 0 46 58 0 L Sedimentary rocks/Neogene Surface Alteration Post-Pyrenean Massive
45 Kamblu 35 43 50 54 12 0 M Feldspathic rocks/Tertiary Surface Alteration Post-Pyrenean Unknown
46 Kavir 2 L Sedimentary rocks/ Sedimentary Hercynian Stratiformbed
Permo-Triassic
47 Kavir 5 L Sedimentary rocks/ Sedimentary Hercynian Stratiformbed
Permo-Triassic
48 Kavir17 31 15 8 52 39 0 S Sedimentary rocks/ Sedimentary Hercynian Stratiformbed
Permo-Triassic
49 Kuh-e-Atabak 1 34 25 2 58 35 0 I Tuff/Tertiary Surface Alteration Post-Pyrenean Unknown
50 Kuh-e-Atabak 2 34 24 34 58 36 31 I Tuff/Eocene Surface Alteration Post-Pyrenean Unknown
51 Kuh-e-Hengam 34 13 0 58 55 0 I Granite/Eocene Surface Alteration Post-Pyrenean Unknown
52 Kushkak 35 33 0 49 49 0 L Volcanic Rocks/Eocene Surface Alteration Post-Pyrenean Massive
53 Maneshkeh 36 50 0 47 10 0 L Andesite/Oligo-Miocene Surface Alteration Post-Pyrenean Massive
54 Nowrouz Abad 37 27 0 46 39 0 S Sedimentary rocks/ Sedimentary Hercynian Stratiformbed
Miocene–Paleocene
55 Parandak 35 23 5 50 41 32 L Acidic volcanics/Eocene Surface Alteration Pyrenean Stratiformbed
56 Posht-e-Semirom 31 12 16 51 41 55 L Sedimentary rocks/Cretaceous Sedimentary Late Cimmerian Stratiformbed
57 Qazvin 36 7 0 49 37 0 L Andesite porphyry/Tertiary Surface Alteration Post-Pyrenean Stratiformbed
58 Robat-e-Kham 31 23 10 56 21 22 S Shale, dolomite, and Sedimentary Late Cimmerian Stratiformbed
59 Sang Rud 36 28 6 49 40 0 S Sandstone and limestone/ Sedimentary Early Stratiformbed
Jurassic Cimmerian
60 Shahindezh 36 41 38 46 42 48 S Sedimentary rocks/ Sedimentary Hercynian Stratiformbed
Permo-Triassic
9.1
61 Surtejin 35 32 43 49 3 40 L Volcanics/Neogene-Quaternary Surface Alteration Post-Pyrenean Massive

62 Tavakkol Abad 35 26 37 50 38 20 L Acidic volcanics/Eocene Surface Alteration Pyrenean Lens
63 Zajkan (Qazvin) 36 19 40 49 31 5 S Lava and tuff/Eocene Surface Alteration Pyrenean Vein
64 Zonous 1 38 33 34 45 48 15 L Rhyolitic tuff/Eocene Surface Alteration Pyrenean Lens
65 Zonous 2 38 34 0 45 48 45 I Rhyolitic tuff/Eocene Surface Alteration Pyrenean Unknown
Introduction
485
Complete list of phosphate mineral deposits and indications of Iran along with their detailed specifications
486

1 Ahar 38 15 0 46 30 0 I Sedimentary rock/Neogene Sedimentary Post-Pyrenean Unknown
2 Bafgh 1 31 46 6 55 26 12 I Metamorphic/Precambrian Magmatic Pan-African Unknown Fe
3 Bibi Shahrbanou 35 38 10 51 33 41 I Limestone and andesite/Eocene Sedimentary Pyrenean Unknown
4 Chalmish 35 54 0 53 4 0 L Sedimentary rocks/Devonian Sedimentary Hercynian Stratiformbed
5 Dahouiyeh 30 47 0 56 43 0 I Sedimentary rocks/Ordovician Sedimentary Caledonian Stratiformbed
6 Dalir 36 20 0 51 5 0 L Sedimentary rocks/Cambrian Sedimentary Pan-African Stratiformbed
7 Deh Zoka 30 24 30 56 46 30 I Sedimentary rocks/Devonian Sedimentary Hercynian Stratiformbed
8 Dehdasht 30 56 30 51 20 0 I Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown
9 Dehmolla 36 21 25 54 41 0 L Sedimentary rocks/Devonian Sedimentary Hercynian Stratiformbed
10 Dogonbadan 30 34 34 51 13 58 I Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown
11 East of Cheshmeh 30 21 13 56 47 54 I Shale and dolomite/Upper Sedimentary Pan-African Stratiformbed
godar sorkh Precambrian–Lower Cambrian
12 Esfordi 31 47 0 55 38 0 L Igneous/Upper Precambrian Magmatic Pan-African Lens
13 Firouz Abad Keykuh 36 17 30 51 22 30 L Sedimentary rocks/Cambrian Sedimentary Pan-African Unknown
14 Gadoukdogol 35 51 0 52 55 0 L Sedimentary rocks/Devonian Sedimentary Hercynian Stratiformbed
15 Gasak 30 38 50 57 15 30 I Sedimentary rocks/Cambrian Sedimentary Hercynian Stratiformbed
16 Gazestan 31 39 45 55 57 0 I Igneous and volcanic rocks, Magmatic Pan-African Lens Fe
sandstone, shale, limestone, and
dolomitic limestone/
Precambrian–Cambrian
17 Ghalghanlu 36 53 0 46 22 30 I Sedimentary rocks/Cambrian Sedimentary Pan-African Stratiformbed
18 Hoseyn Abad 34 40 54 48 11 12 I Phyllite and schist/Triassic–Jurassic Hydrothermal Laramide Unknown
19 Jajarm 37 5 0 56 30 0 I Shale, sandstone, and limestone/ Sedimentary Late Cimmerian Unknown
Upper Cretaceous
20 Jeyroud 35 59 30 51 30 0 L Sedimentary rocks/Devonian Sedimentary Hercynian Stratiformbed
21 Kalat-e-Nadery 36 50 10 59 36 39 I Shale, sandstone, and limestone/ Sedimentary Late Cimmerian Unknown
Upper Cretaceous
22 Kalmard 35 25 0 56 10 20 L Sedimentary rocks/Ordovician Sedimentary Caledonian Stratiformbed

23 Kasil 36 1 35 51 24 0 L Sedimentary rocks/Devonian Sedimentary Hercynian Unknown
9.1
24 Kasokochek 39 20 27 44 51 25 I Sedimentary rock/Upper Paleozoic Sedimentary Hercynian Stratiformbed

25 Kuh Tizi 30 27 56 57 15 7 I Sedimentary rocks/Devonian Sedimentary Hercynian Stratiformbed
26 Kuh Zangu 30 22 30 56 47 30 I Sedimentary rocks/Devonian Sedimentary Hercynian Stratiformbed
27 Kuh-e-Lakh 33 1 53 53 59 56 I Dolomite and limestone/Cretaceous Sedimentary Late Cimmerian Stratiformbed
Introduction
28 Kuh-e-Lar 30 30 45 50 45 51 L Sedimentary rocks/ Sedimentary Pyrenean Stratiformbed

Eocene–Oligocene
29 Kuh-e-Nil 31 43 0 50 40 0 L Sedimentary rocks/Oligocene Sedimentary Pyrenean Stratiformbed
30 Kuh-e-Pabdeh 1 32 6 49 50 1 36 I Dolomite and limestone/Cretaceous Sedimentary Late Cimmerian Stratiformbed
33 Kuh-e-Shurab 35 52 27 54 6 20 I Sedimentary rocks/Devonian Sedimentary Hercynian Stratiformbed
34 Kuh-Kumeh 30 35 0 50 43 0 L Sedimentary rocks/ Sedimentary Pyrenean Stratiformbed
Eocene–Oligocene
35 KuhSefid 31 15 25 49 49 L Unknown/Eocene Sedimentary Pyrenean Unknown
36 Kuhzangi 36 22 0 54 12 0 I Sedimentary rocks/Devonian Sedimentary Hercynian Unknown
37 Lakak 30 57 16 50 8 13 S Shale, dolomite, and limestone/ Sedimentary Late Cimmerian Stratiformbed
Cretaceous
38 Lakeh Siah 31 47 3 55 42 7 L Intrusion/Upper Precambrian Magmatic Pan-African Vein Fe
39 Lalun 35 59 0 51 37 0 L Sedimentary rocks/Devonian Sedimentary Hercynian Stratiformbed
40 Mahi Rud 32 16 18 60 44 40 I Sedimentary rocks/Cretaceous Sedimentary Late Cimmerian Stratiformbed
41 Mishdovan 31 5 48 55 31 12 I Granitoid/Upper Precambrian–Lower Magmatic Pan-African Lens
Cambrian
42 Morgdar 36 21 15 54 32 0 L Sedimentary rocks/Devonian Sedimentary Hercynian Lens
43 Nir Synclin 30 34 31 50 45 50 I Shale, dolomite, and limestone/ Sedimentary Late Cimmerian Stratiformbed
Cretaceous
44 Northeast of 30 26 28 56 43 45 I Shale and dolomite/Precambrian Sedimentary Pan-African Stratiformbed
Cheshmeh gaz
45 Northeast of Qasr- 34 45 33 45 45 45 I Shale, sandstone, and limestone/ Sedimentary Late Cimmerian Unknown
e-Shirin Upper Cretaceous
(continued)
487
(continued)
488

46 Pa-Ghaleh 35 55 0 53 10 0 L Sedimentary rocks/Devonian Sedimentary Hercynian Lens
47 Robat-e-Karabil 37 14 43 56 14 0 I Shale, sandstone, and limestone/ Sedimentary Late Cimmerian Unknown
Upper Cretaceous
48 Seyed Kandi 36 52 0 48 15 0 L Dolomite/Cambrian Sedimentary Pan-African Stratiformbed
49 Shahin Dezh 36 55 0 46 47 0 I Sedimentary rock/Precambrian Sedimentary Pan-African Unknown
50 Sheikh Abad 30 54 32 50 50 57 I Shale, dolomite and limestone/ Sedimentary Late Cimmerian Stratiformbed
Cretaceous
51 Shemshak 36 0 0 51 33 41 S Limestone and dolomite/Cambrian Sedimentary Pan-African Stratiformbed
52 Sheykh Habil 30 45 0 50 50 0 L Sedimentary rocks/ Sedimentary Pyrenean Stratiformbed
Cretaceous–Eocene
53 Southeast of Khoy 38 30 0 45 0 0 I Sedimentary rock/Neogene Sedimentary Post-Pyrenean Unknown
54 Taghdis-e-Chenareh 32 57 0 48 20 0 L Sedimentary rocks/Upper Cretaceous Sedimentary Laramide Lens
55 Taghdis-e-Khartang 28 18 0 51 55 0 I Sedimentary rocks/Paleocene Sedimentary Laramide Stratiformbed
56 Taghdis-e-Kuh Namak 28 15 0 51 40 0 L Sedimentary rocks/Paleocene Sedimentary Laramide Lens Fe
57 Taghdis-e-rit 32 6 0 48 15 0 L Sedimentary rocks/Upper Cretaceous Sedimentary Laramide Lens
58 Taleghan 36 7 30 50 45 0 I Sedimentary rocks/Jurassic Sedimentary Pan-African Stratiformbed
59 Vali Abad Shalzi 36 17 30 51 17 30 L Sedimentary rocks/Cambrian Sedimentary Pan-African Vein
60 Zarigan 32 3 33 55 30 56 M Intrusion/Upper Precambrian Magmatic Pan-African Disseminated
Complete list of bentonite mineral deposits and indications of Iran along with their detailed specifications
9.1

1 Ab Bandamou 32 59 21 55 31 0 I Tuff/Oligo-Miocene Surface Alteration Post-Pyrenean Stratiformbed
2 Abbas Abad 35 21 11 59 13 0 I Volcanics and tuff/Upper Eocene Surface Alteration Pyrenean Stratiformbed
Introduction
3 Aghol Salari 32 27 50 55 9 34 I Tuff/Oligo-Miocene Surface Alteration Post-Pyrenean Stratiformbed

4 Alajugh 36 22 30 47 11 15 I Limestone, marl, and rhyolite/Eocene Surface Alteration Pyrenean Unknown
5 Aliabad 35 56 14 55 30 0 I Tuff and volcanics/Oligo-Miocene Surface Alteration Post-Pyrenean Stratiformbed
6 Aliyan 35 55 54 54 15 0 I Tuff/Eocene Unknown Unknown Unknown
7 Anarestan 35 47 0 54 10 0 S Pyroclastics/Mid-Eocene Surface Alteration Pyrenean Lens
8 Arhan 36 42 0 49 21 0 I Tuff/Oligo-Miocene Surface Alteration Post-Pyrenean Stratiformbed
9 Avaj 35 34 41 49 14 0 I Tuff/Oligo-Miocene Surface Alteration Post-Pyrenean Lens
10 Bostagh1 33 42 32 58 34 0 I Tuff and volcanics/Oligo-Miocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
11 Bostagh2 33 58 21 58 39 20 I Tuff and volcanics/Oligo-Miocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
12 Brosir 29 51 0 56 9 0 I Tuff/Eocene Surface Alteration Pyrenean Stratiformbed,
lens
13 Chah Kam 34 5 0 56 4 0 S Sedimentary rocks and volcanics/ Surface Alteration Post-Pyrenean Stratiformbed
Oligo-Miocene
14 Darya-Belik 35 45 0 52 32 0 I Tuff/Mid-Eocene Surface Alteration Pyrenean Stratiformbed
15 Deh Amshhad 34 49 0 49 46 0 I Tuff/Oligo-Miocene Surface Alteration Post-Pyrenean Stratiformbed
16 Deh Hoseyn-e-Kolangi 32 30 0 59 58 0 I Volcanics/Upper Eocene Surface Alteration Pyrenean Lens
17 Dizaran 31 25 0 53 5 0 S Sedimentary rocks/Oligo-Miocene Sedimentary Unknown Stratiformbed
18 Eliatu 35 33 59 59 29 16 S Volcanics and tuff/Eocene Surface Alteration Unknown Unknown
19 Fajan (Kilan 1) 35 30 0 52 10 0 M Tuff/Mid-Eocene Surface Alteration Pyrenean Lens
20 Galou 33 38 0 59 50 0 I Tuff/Upper Eocene Surface Alteration Pyrenean Stratiformbed
21 Gazalak 36 11 0 50 31 40 I Tuff and volcanics/Oligo-Miocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
22 Gel Abir 36 20 0 48 19 0 I Tuff/Oligo-Miocene Surface Alteration Post-Pyrenean Stratiformbed
23 Gelkan 33 59 0 56 59 0 S Limestone, marl, andesite, and tuff/ Surface Alteration Post-Pyrenean Stratiformbed
Oligo-Miocene
(continued)
489
(continued)
490

24 Gelkan 35 22 0 60 22 0 I Sedimentary rocks/Upper Eocene Sedimentary Pyrenean Unknown
25 GhashGha Jan 35 48 0 48 0 0 I Tuff/Oligo-Miocene Surface Alteration Post-Pyrenean Stratiformbed
26 Ghazalcheh 34 46 0 49 52 0 L Sedimentary rocks/Oligo-Miocene Surface Alteration Post-Pyrenean Stratiformbed
27 Golabir 36 2 0 48 13 0 I Tuff/Oligo-Miocene Surface Alteration Pyrenean Unknown
28 Gonabad 34 22 0 58 9 0 M Volcanics and tuff/Upper Eocene Surface Alteration Pyrenean Massive
29 Gooiech 35 33 30 52 21 40 S Tuff/Mid-Eocene Surface Alteration Pyrenean Stratiformbed
30 Goosh mir 33 38 0 58 25 0 I Tuff and volcanics/Upper Eocene Surface Alteration Unknown Unknown
31 Gouyad 31 38 47 60 4 50 I Tuff/Upper Eocene Surface Alteration Pyrenean Stratiformbed
32 Halab 36 18 0 47 26 0 I Limestone, marl, andesite, and tuff/ Surface Alteration Post-Pyrenean Unknown
Oligo-Miocene
33 Hesamiyeh 33 4 0 58 22 0 S Volcanics/Upper Eocene Surface Alteration Pyrenean Lens
34 Kalateh 36 21 20 54 7 30 I Sedimentary rocks/Eocene Surface Alteration Pyrenean Unknown
35 Kalishom 36 42 19 49 57 38 S Tuff/Mid-Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Lens
36 Keyvan 35 32 0 52 10 20 I Tuff/Eocene Surface Alteration Pyrenean Stratiformbed
37 Khushab 35 25 20 58 9 0 S Volcanics and tuff/Upper Eocene Surface Alteration Pyrenean Massive
38 Kilan (Fajan) 35 22 2 52 50 0 S Tuff/Mid-Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Lens
39 Kuh-e-Bazman 27 50 0 60 15 0 I Andesite and tuff/Oligo-Miocene Surface Alteration Post-Pyrenean Lens
40 Kuh-e-Ghozghalan 35 36 0 49 11 0 I Tuff/Eocene Surface Alteration Pyrenean Stratiformbed
41 Kuseh-Lar 36 29 0 48 22 0 I Tuff/Mid-Eocene Surface Alteration Pyrenean Unknown
42 Manian 28 57 0 53 12 0 S Sedimentary rocks/Oligo-Miocene Sedimentary Post-Pyrenean Stratiformbed
43 Mehrejan 33 35 57 55 9 10 L Tuff and marl/Mid-Eocene Surface Alteration Pyrenean Lens
44 Merikeh 33 54 0 58 4 0 I Volcanics/Oligo-Miocene Surface Alteration Post-Pyrenean Lens
45 Meydan-e-Tir-e-41 35 33 0 51 32 0 I Sedimentary rocks/Eocene Sedimentary Post-Pyrenean Lens
46 Moemen Abad 35 33 18 53 13 51 S Volcanics and sedimentary rocks/ Surface Alteration Post-Pyrenean Stratiformbed
Oligo-Miocene
47 Najaf Abad 32 40 0 51 21 0 I Sedimentary rocks/Lower Eocene Surface Alteration Pyrenean Stratiformbed
48 Nashtafan (Kalatehha) 35 17 0 59 46 0 S Volcanics and tuff/Upper Eocene Surface Alteration Pyrenean Stratiformbed
49 Niasar 33 59 10 51 6 40 S Tuff/Mid-Eocene Surface Alteration Pyrenean Stratiformbed
9.1
50 Nish Tafoon 33 45 48 58 47 6 I Tuff/Eocene Surface Alteration Pyrenean Stratiformbed

51 Ortu-Cheshmeh 37 5 0 58 16 0 I Volcanics/Eocene Surface Alteration Pyrenean Stratiformbed
(Orghusheh)
52 Oshar 38 52 20 45 47 0 S Tuff/Eocene Surface Alteration Pyrenean Stratiformbed
53 Our Of 30 4 0 55 55 0 I Volcanics/Middle Eocene Surface Alteration Pyrenean Stratiformbed
Introduction
54 Ourfasa 30 40 30 53 55 0 I Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown

55 Oyaghlou 38 43 10 45 13 0 I Tuff/Oligo-Miocene Surface Alteration Post-Pyrenean Unknown
56 Panjeh Sofla 36 4 0 47 26 0 I Limestone, marl, andesite, and Tuff/ Surface Alteration Post-Pyrenean Unknown
Oligo-Miocene
57 Parvan Avoj 35 35 0 49 11 0 I Tuff/Eocene Surface Alteration Pyrenean Stratiformbed
58 Reshm 35 16 0 54 30 0 S Pyroclastics/Mid-Eocene Surface Alteration Pyrenean Stratiformbed
59 Saghand 32 34 0 55 17 0 S Tuff and volcanics/Oligo-Miocene Surface Alteration Post-Pyrenean Lens
60 Sangsar 35 42 0 53 50 0 S Sedimentary rocks/Oligo-Miocene Surface Alteration Post-Pyrenean Stratiformbed
61 Sar Darya 28 34 0 61 10 0 I Andesite and tuff/Oligo-Miocene Surface Alteration Post-Pyrenean Stratiformbed
62 Sepideh (Ardekan) 30 17 0 51 48 0 I Volcanics/Oligo-Miocene Surface Alteration Post-Pyrenean Stratiformbed
63 Siah Kuh 34 43 0 52 51 0 S Tuff and volcanics/Mid-Eocene Surface Alteration Pyrenean Lens
64 South of Zanjan 36 39 0 48 30 0 I Tuff/Mid-Eocene Surface Alteration Pyrenean Unknown
65 Susanvar 35 17 20 54 32 51 S Pyroclastics/Mid-Eocene Surface Alteration Pyrenean Lens
66 Tab 36 18 0 48 3 0 I Tuff/Oligo-Miocene Surface Alteration Post-Pyrenean Stratiformbed
67 Takab 36 28 20 47 11 15 I Tuff/Oligo-Miocene Surface Alteration Post-Pyrenean Stratiformbed
68 Tashtab 33 39 17 55 16 19 S Tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
69 West of Ferdows 34 0 0 58 1 23 I Tuff/Eocene Surface Alteration Pyrenean Stratiformbed
70 Zahab 31 52 0 60 9 50 I Tuff/Upper Eocene Surface Alteration Pyrenean Lens
71 Zanjan-Bijar 36 37 0 48 27 0 I Tuff/Mid-Eocene Surface Alteration Pyrenean Unknown
72 Zanjan-Mianeh 36 35 0 48 25 0 I Tuff/Eocene Surface Alteration Pyrenean Unknown
73 Zarnigh (Mehrban) 38 12 0 47 7 0 I Tuff/Paleocene–Eocene Surface Alteration Unknown Stratiformbed
74 Zarrin 32 42 57 54 36 47 M Tuff and volcanics/Oligo-Miocene Surface Alteration Post-Pyrenean Stratiformbed
75 Zarrinabad 36 25 0 48 20 0 S Volcanics/Quaternary Sedimentary Unknown Unknown
491
Complete list of magnesite mineral deposits and indications of Iran along with their detailed specifications
492

1 Afin1 33 30 40 59 47 35 S Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
Cretaceous–Lower Paleocene
2 Afin2 33 32 0 59 44 21 S Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
3 Afzal Abad 31 52 0 60 16 0 I Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
4 Ali Abad 33 0 46 60 22 55 I Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
5 Ali Gol 31 47 36 60 10 23 I Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
6 Asad Abad 31 52 58 60 16 8 I Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
7 Bandan 31 13 30 60 59 55 I Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
8 Borj Ali Khan 32 11 53 60 19 9 I Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
9 Borj Mohammad 1 33 35 2 59 28 46 I Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
10 Borj Mohammad 2 33 36 0 59 28 12 I Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
11 Chah Chocho 31 38 55 60 10 30 I Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
12 Chah Khu 32 22 30 60 1 6 S Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
13 Chah Mondad 31 8 24 59 9 4 I Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
14 Chah Palang 1 33 0 56 53 3 40 I Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
15 Chah Siah 32 22 54 59 43 34 Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
16 Chahar Chah 29 50 39 60 10 9 I Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
9.1
Mohammad Cretaceous–Lower Paleocene

Rahim
17 Cheshmeh 32 11 35 60 0 58 S Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
Lagury– Kasrab Cretaceous–Lower Paleocene
18 Chorogh 28 31 0 60 0 30 I Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
Introduction
19 Dahan Siahu 32 16 10 60 17 45 I Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
20 Deh Reza 32 38 1 60 15 42 I Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
21 East of Ali Abad 32 46 31 60 15 37 S Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
22 East of Bidmeshk 31 54 51 59 40 56 I Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
23 East of Khuni 33 31 12 53 21 24 I Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
24 East of Neh fault 31 24 45 60 9 8 I Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
25 Eastakhr–e-Abyari 32 5 24 60 7 39 I Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
26 East-Northeast of 32 38 42 60 15 42 S Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
Jamal Abad Cretaceous–Lower Paleocene
27 Esfordi 31 45 22 55 40 49 I Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
28 Espiky- Farmaj 32 41 2 59 20 31 S Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
29 GarmTamam Ab 32 11 13 60 0 29 S Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
30 Gazdez -va- Shurab 32 23 15 60 2 33 I Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
(continued)
493
(continued)
494

31 Gomenj 33 19 41 60 5 21 S Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
32 Holur Tappeh 38 45 16 60 9 28 Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
33 Hoseyn Abad 33 2 42 53 4 18 I Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
34 Howz-e-Sefid-e- 32 30 32 59 29 31 S Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
Arabkhaneh Cretaceous–Lower Paleocene
35 Jamal Abad 32 36 16 60 16 35 I Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
36 Kalat-e-Akhundan 32 38 19 59 37 6 Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
37 Kalat-e-Ali 32 43 46 59 27 18 S Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
Mohammad Cretaceous–Lower Paleocene
38 Kalat-e-Manzarieh 32 49 45 59 8 3 Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
39 Kal-e-Hedied 31 59 43 60 11 44 I Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
40 Kaliran 32 29 22 59 54 25 I Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
41 Kalut-e-Soleiman 32 32 35 59 27 47 I Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
42 Kanift 32 23 20 60 22 15 I Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
43 Khakshuran 31 41 35 60 13 6 I Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
44 Khuni 33 31 5 53 24 10 I Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
45 Khunik 30 25 0 60 35 0 I Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
46 Kuh-e-Aqavile 1 33 28 46 59 54 34 I Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
9.1
47 Kuh-e-Aqavile 2 33 25 38 59 57 55 S Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
48 Kuh-e-Aqavile 3 33 24 27 59 58 52 1 Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
Introduction
49 Kuh-e-Azik 32 59 25 60 16 30 I Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens

50 Kuh-e-Cheshmeh 33 32 8 59 36 8 S Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
Zarbi Cretaceous–Lower Paleocene
51 Kuh-e-Dabil 31 46 47 60 14 41 I Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
52 Kuh-e-jaj 32 26 0 60 23 0 I Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
53 Kuh-e-KamarSiah 32 40 49 60 15 31 I Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
54 Kuh-e-Naharjan 32 32 49 59 29 44 I Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
55 Kuh-e-Ranje 33 6 7 53 4 35 S Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
56 Kuh-e-Ratook 32 35 8 60 15 30 I Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
57 Kuh-e-Zenzal 32 24 15 60 16 37 I Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
58 Lakuh-e-Garmeh 1 31 39 40 60 13 7 I Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
(continued)
495
(continued)
496

61 Maarufan 32 19 28 60 1 7 S Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
62 Mahi Rud 32 16 18 60 44 40 I Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
63 Mazraeh 32 16 13 60 5 6 I Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
64 Neskhandeh Kuh 31 36 16 60 12 25 I Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
65 North Khunik 31 26 19 60 9 47 I Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
66 North of Gomenj 33 18 55 60 5 19 I Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
67 North of Jamal 32 39 5 60 13 43 S Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
Abad 1 Cretaceous–Lower Paleocene
68 North of Jamal 32 39 47 60 13 2 S Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
Abad 2 Cretaceous–Lower Paleocene
69 North of Kanaft 32 27 15 60 18 45 I Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
70 North of Tamamdeh 31 59 28 60 27 18 I Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
71 NorthEast of Jamal 32 39 21 60 14 45 S Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
Abad Cretaceous–Lower Paleocene
72 Northeast of 32 35 50 60 16 10 I Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
Kuh-e-ratook Cretaceous–Lower Paleocene
73 Northeast of 32 3 6 60 7 49 S Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
Rud-e-Marghzar Cretaceous–Lower Paleocene
74 Northeast of Tabas 32 49 24 60 15 0 S Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
75 Northern AfzalAbad 31 59 20 60 14 41 S Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
76 Northwest of Afzal 31 53 50 60 12 23 I Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
9.1
Abad Cretaceous–Lower Paleocene

77 NorthWest of 33 30 52 59 29 44 I Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
Yadmaro Cretaceous–Lower Paleocene
78 Noughab 32 21 58 59 42 8 S Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
Introduction
79 Omar 29 58 9 59 54 38 I Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens

80 Pelleh Sabz 32 19 51 60 24 0 I Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
81 Pirbid 38 34 13 60 14 32 Serpentinite and Peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
82 Rezgh-e-Soleyman 32 33 14 59 33 48 S Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
83 Rud-e-Marghzar 32 5 5 60 21 52 I Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
84 Rud-e-Torshab1 32 10 0 60 2 52 S Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
85 Rud-e-Torshab2 32 7 26 60 7 40 S Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
86 SarLord 31 52 5 60 13 16 S Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
87 Seh Farsakh 31 22 54 60 2 29 I Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
88 Shah Dezh 31 35 2 60 10 15 I Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
89 Shahrakht 33 22 58 60 0 38 I Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
90 Shandul 30 50 3 60 8 32 I Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
91 Shir Kuhak 31 41 2 60 11 3 S Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
(continued)
497
498
(continued)
92 Shovin 29 42 27 60 6 25 I Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
93 South Heidar Abad 31 1 38 60 5 3 I Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
94 South Khunik 31 24 49 60 9 18 I Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
95 South of Kuh-e-Sefid 31 49 28 60 12 30 I Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
96 South of Separab 33 1 13 53 3 53 M Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Vein
97 Southeast of Afin 33 24 47 59 59 31 I Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
98 Southern Afzal Abad 31 50 30 60 16 30 S Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
99 Southwest of Ab 32 53 18 60 16 29 S Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
Garm Cretaceous–Lower Paleocene
100 Southwest of 32 6 36 59 11 27 I Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
Hengaran Cretaceous–Lower Paleocene
101 Southwest of 33 31 20 59 29 31 S Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
Khuboo Cretaceous–Lower Paleocene
102 Southwest of 32 35 10 60 15 27 S Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
Kuh-e-ratook Cretaceous–Lower Paleocene
103 Tak Siah 31 24 8 60 3 41 S Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
104 Tang-e-Omar 29 46 57 59 55 3 I Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
105 Torshab 29 38 47 59 58 32 I Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
106 Torshak-e- 31 56 10 60 12 18 S Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
9.1
Mohammadi Cretaceous–Lower Paleocene

107 West of Gur Chang 32 52 0 60 14 18 S Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
108 West of Heidar Abad 31 2 32 60 1 48 I Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
Introduction
109 Zahed 31 52 41 60 9 37 I Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens

110 Zek 31 43 6 59 55 1 I Serpentinite and peridotite/Upper Surface Alteration Post-Laramide Lens
499
Complete list of silica mineral deposits and indications of Iran along with their detailed specifications
500

1 Abdar 34 14 11 48 28 42 S Phyllite and slate/Jurassic Metamorphic Late Cimmerian Lens, vein
2 Ardehin 36 13 0 49 1 0 S Sandstone/Lower Cambrian Sedimentary Pan-African Stratiformbed
3 Azadkuh (Jajrud) 35 46 55 51 42 20 S Quartzite/Ordovician Sedimentary Pan-African Stratiformbed
4 Azandarian 34 30 0 48 40 0 S Garnet schist and hornfels/Jurassic Metamorphic Laramide Lens
5 Baba raeis 34 19 22 48 57 23 S Slate and schist/Jurassic Metamorphic Late Cimmerian Vein, lens
6 BarudAb-e-Nahavand 34 26 11 48 22 30 S Marble and schist/Jurassic Metamorphic Late Cimmerian Vein
7 Chand Sin 36 5 0 49 12 0 S Quartzite/Upper Cambrian Sedimentary Pan-African Stratiformbed
8 Chashm 35 55 55 53 15 20 S Sandstone and conglomerate/Jurassic Sedimentary Early Cimmerian Vein
9 Chenaruiyeh 30 14 51 56 45 6 S Sandstone and limestone/Cretaceous Sedimentary Late Cimmerian Stratiformbed
10 Cheshin 36 3 0 49 4 58 S Sandstone/Lower Cambrian Sedimentary Pan-African Stratiformbed
11 Cheshmeh Paein-e- 33 55 55 49 15 0 S Schist and phyllite/Jurassic Metamorphic Late Cimmerian Vein
Arak
12 Cheshmeh Pahn-e- 34 27 0 48 36 18 S Mica-schist/Jurassic Metamorphic Pyrenean Stratiformbed to
Nanj lens
13 Chidarreh (Tahmasb 36 22 54 48 39 26 S Quartzite/Upper Cambrian Sedimentary Pan-African Stratiformbed
Abad)
14 Dahoiyeh 30 47 38 56 44 0 S Quartzite/Ordovician Sedimentary Pan-African Stratiformbed
15 Dalmeh 32 25 40 54 19 0 S Quartzite and sandstone/Cambrian Sedimentary Pan-African Stratiformbed
16 Darbeand-e- 35 43 52 53 15 37 S Quartzitic sandstone/Mid-Jurassic Sedimentary Early Cimmerian Stratiformbed
Shahmirzad
17 Darkaj, Hashish, 30 46 0 56 6 0 S Limestone and sandstone/Lower Sedimentary Pan-African Stratiformbed
Darandun Paleozoic
18 Darreh Zanjir-e-Taft 31 40 17 54 12 10 S Sandstone and shale and limestone/ Sedimentary Late Cimmerian Lens
Lower Cretaceous
19 Dashlijeh 36 13 48 48 49 12 S Sandstone/Ordovician Sedimentary Pan-African Stratiformbed
20 Dorud 33 27 31 49 0 0 S Rudist and radiolarite limestone/ Sedimentary Laramide Stratiformbed
Upper Cretaceous
21 Emamzadeh Hashem 35 46 38 51 59 47 S Quartzite/Ordovician Sedimentary Pan-African Stratiformbed

9.1
22 Firuz Abad-Nazvol 34 12 30 48 37 30 S Granodiorite/Tertiary; schist/Jurassic Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein

23 Ghani Abad-e-Rey 35 34 55 51 26 40 S Quartzite/Cambrian; limestone and Sedimentary Pan-African Stratiformbed
dolomite/Lower Cambrian
24 Ghanlu Chopoghlu 36 11 14 48 51 54 L Quartzite/Lower Cambrian Sedimentary Pan-African Stratiformbed
25 Gharajeh Fid 35 56 0 49 14 0 S Quartzite/Ordovician Sedimentary Pan-African Stratiformbed
Introduction
26 Ghasem Abad-e- 35 48 0 51 38 0 S Top quartzite in upper red sandstone/ Sedimentary Pan-African Stratiformbed
Latian Cambrian
27 Gheid Ali 33 34 22 49 27 23 S Phyllite, schist, quartzite, and marble/ Hydrothermal Late Cimmerian Vein
Precambrian
28 Ghermez Abad 35 55 12 49 15 0 S Quartzite/Ordovician Sedimentary Pan-African Stratiformbed
29 Gholou Shajaroo 34 22 30 48 52 30 I Quartzite/Ordovician Metamorphic Early Cimmerian Vein
30 Havasku (Khavasku) 32 20 23 53 40 16 S Quartzite/Ordovician Sedimentary Pan-African Stratiformbed
31 Hiroud 35 49 0 53 56 20 S Sandstone and quartzite/Jurassic Sedimentary Hercynian Stratiformbed
32 Hovire 35 43 0 52 18 0 S Quartzite/Ordovician Sedimentary Pan-African Stratiformbed
33 Jozvan 35 12 36 48 17 24 S Schist and phyllite/Jurassic Metamorphic Late Cimmerian Vein
34 Kabutarak- Deh Jalal 36 18 36 48 42 28 S Sandstone/Lower Cambrian Sedimentary Pan-African Stratiformbed
35 Kamareh 34 37 30 48 37 30 S Pegmatite/Upper Cretaceous; Hydrothermal Laramide Lens
mica-schist bearing garnet and
andalusite schist/Jurassic
36 Kandhallan 34 37 30 48 52 30 I Phyllite and schist/Jurassic Metamorphic Early Cimmerian Vein
37 Kanhelal 34 30 0 48 45 0 S Garnet schist and wollastonite and Metamorphic Late Cimmerian Vein
mica-schist/Jurassic
38 KhairAbad-Seyed 34 22 30 48 41 52 S Slate and phyllite and schist/Jurassic Metamorphic Late Cimmerian Vein
Shahab
39 Khankuk 30 44 0 56 46 0 S Quartzite/Ordovician Sedimentary Pan-African Stratiformbed
40 Kikleh, Achmizan, 34 5 0 48 52 30 S Granodiorite/Tertiary; schist/Jurassic Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
Payhan, Sibar,
Davijeh
41 Kisehjin 35 49 48 49 4 48 S Quartzite/Ordovician Sedimentary Pan-African Stratiformbed
42 Kolushe gerd 34 21 18 48 49 34 S Slate, phyllite, and schist/Jurassic Metamorphic Late Cimmerian Vein
(continued)
501
(continued)
502

43 Kowli Kosh 30 46 55 53 8 45 S Quartzite and schist/Paleozoic Metamorphic Hercynian Stratiformbed
44 Kuvank (Gueichin) 36 5 0 49 10 0 S Quartzite/Lower Cambrian Sedimentary Pan-African Stratiformbed
45 Lalun 35 58 55 51 34 40 S Limestone/Cambrian Sedimentary Pan-African Stratiformbed
46 Larestan 35 37 55 54 0 0 S Sandstone and shale and limestone/ Sedimentary Early Cimmerian Stratiformbed
Jurassic
47 Markasiduneh 32 13 42 53 39 54 S Quartzitic sandstone/Upper Jurassic Sedimentary Late Cimmerian Stratiformbed
48 Mazarin 33 38 0 50 20 0 S Mica-schist and gneiss/Paleozoic Metamorphic Late Cimmerian Vein
49 Mighan 36 36 37 54 56 0 S Quartzite/Upper Cambrian Sedimentary Pan-African Stratiformbed
50 Mizvaj 36 22 10 50 2 14 S Dolomite and limestone/Triassic Hydrothermal Hercynian Vein
51 MobarakAbad, Tappeh 35 47 0 52 0 0 S Layered quartzite and red sandstone/ Sedimentary Pan-African Stratiformbed
Faraj, Mosha Cambrian
52 Nadushan-e-Hafther 32 18 31 53 28 30 S Quartzite/Ordovician Sedimentary Pan-African Stratiformbed
53 Nazkhatun 34 30 10 48 45 0 S Schist/Jurassic Metamorphic Late Cimmerian Vein
54 Nir 31 29 24 54 7 32 S Granite and granodiorite/Jurassic Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Massive
55 Northeast of 35 22 19 59 58 19 I Sandstone and shale/Paleogene Sedimentary Pyrenean Stratiformbed
Kal-e-Nari
56 Ordaklu-Malian 34 12 30 48 47 30 S Slate, phyllite, and schist/Jurassic Metamorphic Late Cimmerian Vein to lens
57 Paridar Abolhasan- 34 4 0 44 26 30 S Slate, phyllite, and schist/Jurassic Metamorphic Late Cimmerian Lens
Biaghan-e-Bala
58 Patiyeh 34 5 0 48 55 0 S Slate and phyllite and schist/Jurassic Hydrothermal Laramide Vein
59 Qezeljeh 36 6 0 48 58 48 S Quartzite/Upper Cambrian Sedimentary Pan-African Stratiformbed
60 RigSefid 30 3 49 55 8 8 S Alluvial/Quaternary Sedimentary Post-Pyrenean Massive
61 Robat Morad-e-Arak 33 36 0 50 16 0 S Sandy conglomerate/Tertiary Sedimentary Pyrenean Vein
62 Saranza 35 43 12 52 48 0 S Shale, marl, and sandstone/Lower Sedimentary Early Cimmerian Stratiformbed
Jurassic
63 Senjetou-Mansour 32 1 45 54 44 10 S Quartzite/Ordovician Sedimentary Pan-African Stratiformbed
Abad
64 Shabjereh 31 2 0 56 14 0 S Quartzite/Ordovician Sedimentary Pan-African Stratiformbed

65 Shah Bolaghi 36 9 0 48 55 48 S Quartzite/Upper Cambrian Sedimentary Pan-African Stratiformbed
9.1
66 Shalvar 36 22 12 48 45 0 M Quartzite/Upper Cambrian Sedimentary Pan-African Stratiformbed

67 Shineh In 36 4 0 49 12 0 S Quartzite/Upper Cambrian Sedimentary Pan-African Stratiformbed
68 Shurab Niglejeh 36 25 12 48 41 24 S Quartzite/Upper Cambrian Sedimentary Pan-African Stratiformbed
69 South of Kuh-e- 35 54 7 59 53 49 I Sandstone and volcano metamorphic Metamorphic Late Cimmerian Vein
Dochahi and schist/Paleozoic
Introduction
70 Tasbandy 34 34 51 48 47 40 S Schist/Jurassic Metamorphic Late Cimmerian Vein

71 Urneh 36 3 0 49 11 0 S Quartzite/Upper Cambrian Sedimentary Pan-African Stratiformbed
72 Vali Mahd 35 7 30 48 22 30 S Schist and phyllite/Jurassic Metamorphic Late Cimmerian Vein
73 Vasleh 35 17 24 48 22 30 S Schist and phyllite/Jurassic Metamorphic Late Cimmerian Vein
74 Vir-Algazir 36 17 39 48 52 12 S Quartzite/Upper Cambrian Sedimentary Pan-African Stratiformbed
75 Yaghub Abad 34 45 0 48 34 40 S Schist and phyllite/Jurassic Metamorphic Late Cimmerian Vein
76 Yusbashi 36 22 55 49 28 40 S Andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
77 Zagheh 34 52 30 48 17 30 S Schist/Jurassic Metamorphic Late Cimmerian Unknown
503
504
Complete list of fluorite mineral deposits and indications of Iran along with their detailed specifications
1 Abbas Abad 33 12 58 52 2 46 I Limestone and dolomite/Mid-Triassic Hydrothermal Early Cimmerian Vein, Lens
2 Atashkuh 33 51 0 50 40 0 I Limestone and dolomite/Mid-Triassic Hydrothermal Early Cimmerian Vein, lens
3 Kalateh Ashrafu 32 52 50 54 58 50 I Limestone and dolomite/Mid-Triassic Hydrothermal Early Cimmerian Vein, lens
4 Kamar Mehdi 33 1 0 56 31 15 S Limestone and dolomite/Mid-Triassic Hydrothermal Early Cimmerian Vein, lens
5 Kamar Zard 33 6 0 56 32 0 S Limestone and dolomite/Mid-Triassic Hydrothermal Early Cimmerian Vein, lens
6 Kamshecheh 32 56 0 51 51 0 S Limestone and dolomite/Mid-Triassic Hydrothermal Early Cimmerian Vein, lens Pb, Ba
7 Kouppeh Ashrafou 32 52 50 54 58 50 I Limestone and dolomite/Mid-Triassic Hydrothermal Early Cimmerian Vein, lens
8 Laalkan 36 47 8 47 24 10 S Crystalline carbonate rocks/Paleozoic Hydrothermal Early Cimmerian Vein, lens
9 Northwest of Kerman 30 25 5 56 58 5 I Limestone, dolomite, and shale/Cretaceous Hydrothermal Unknown Unknown
10 Northwest of Saqqez 36 18 36 46 11 39 I Limestone, dolomite, and shale/Cretaceous Hydrothermal Unknown Unknown
11 Qahrabad Soleyman S Limestone and dolomite/Mid-Triassic Hydrothermal Early Cimmerian Vein, lens
12 Sheshrud-e-Palam S Limestone and dolomite/Mid-Triassic Hydrothermal Early Cimmerian Vein, lens
13 Tabas 33 10 39 56 22 11 S Limestone and dolomite/Mid-Triassic Hydrothermal Early Cimmerian Vein, lens
14 Pachy Miana 36 3 45 53 11 0 S Limestone and dolomite/Mid-Triassic Sedimentary Early Cimmerian Stratiformbed Pb
Complete list of barite mineral deposits and indications of Iran along with their detailed specifications
9.1
Lat Long
Genetic/ Orogenic
1 Abyk 36 7 0 50 31 40 S Andesitic tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein, massive
Introduction
2 Aghcheh Mazar 35 38 0 50 53 0 S Pyroclastics/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein, stratiformbed

3 Aghzigan Amereh 34 41 0 50 10 30 S Andesite and tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Lens, vein
4 Ahmad Abad 35 23 0 49 41 30 S Tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Mn
5 Ahwarak 36 18 0 50 22 0 S Tuff/Eocene Volcanic Pyrenean Vein
6 Ali Naghieh 36 11 3 49 38 0 S Unknown Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Pb
7 Amrudak 36 18 0 50 32 30 S Tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Pb, Zn
8 Ardahin 35 13 30 49 48 30 S Tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Lens, vein
9 Ardekan 32 24 0 54 20 0 M Limestone and dolomite (marble)/ Hydrothermal Hercynian Vein, lens
Devonian–Permian
10 Ardemin 35 15 30 49 47 0 S Tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
11 Armiun 35 31 0 49 45 0 S Tuff/Eocene; middle-bedded Hydrothermal Pyrenean Lens
limestone/Paleocene
12 Arzandeh 34 27 30 60 30 20 I Rhyolite and dacite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
13 Asgar Abad 35 11 0 51 47 0 S Tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
14 Atanak 36 9 30 50 27 0 S Tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Pb
15 Azadkin 35 16 0 50 7 0 S Tuff/Oligocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
16 Baba Hemmat 34 54 30 51 58 30 S Trachyte and andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
17 Bagher Abad 34 53 0 51 14 0 S Diorite and granodiorite/Post-Eocene; Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
tuff/Eocene
18 Bagher Abad-e-Qom 34 57 0 50 52 0 S Andesite and tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Cu, Fe
19 Bagh-e-Zendan 35 35 0 51 26 0 S Unknown Unknown Unknown Vein
20 Barik 33 36 2 59 24 12 I Tuff and andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Unknown
21 Barkah 34 5 57 59 44 3 I Rhyolite and dacite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
22 Bidhend 1 34 17 0 50 46 58 I Tuff and andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
23 Bidhend 2 34 22 0 50 49 30 S Andesite and tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Lens
505
(continued)
(continued)
506

24 Bighan 34 21 0 50 35 3 S Andesite and tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
25 Blueband 35 17 0 50 2 30 S Tuff/Oligocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
26 Chah Shirin 35 23 20 54 2 0 S Andesite/Eocene; limestone, Hydrothermal Late Cimmerian Vein
dolomite/Cretaceous
27 Chahmes 32 13 0 54 44 0 S Limestone and shale and sandstone/ Hydrothermal Late Cimmerian Lens
Jurassic
28 Chalambar 35 31 0 49 47 30 S Tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Unknown Unknown Pb
29 Chamanak 34 32 30 50 21 0 S Andesite and tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
30 Chanjan 38 16 0 45 42 30 S Flysch/Cretaceous Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
31 Chary Abtorsh 31 15 0 55 44 0 M Reefy limestone/Lower Cretaceous; Epithermal Pyrenean Vein Pb, F
shale and
32 Chenar Vardeh 35 7 30 50 41 0 S Tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein, lens
33 Dasht-e-Deh 32 12 0 54 45 0 S Limestone/Jurassic Hydrothermal Late Cimmerian Lens, vein
34 Dasht-e-Kavir 32 30 0 57 15 0 I Sandstone and limestone/Triassic Hydrothermal Pyrenean Unknown
35 Dasht-e-Kavir 34 52 0 51 55 0 S Trachyte and andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
36 Dastgerd 36 19 6 50 18 5 I Basalt/Tertiary Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
37 Deh Khatib 34 6 16 59 43 50 I Andesite and dacite/Eocene Unknown Unknown Unknown
38 Deh Shur 35 38 0 50 52 0 S Andesite/Oligocene Unknown Unknown Vein
39 Dorbid 32 7 16 54 24 41 S Limestone, dolomite, shale and Hydrothermal Late Cimmerian Vein, lens
quartzitic sandstone/Cretaceous
40 Dorreh-ye-Kashan 33 53 0 51 18 0 L Volcanics and limestone/Oligo- Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Lens to strati-
Miocene formbed
massive
41 Duna 36 9 55 51 20 45 S Limestone/Permian–Triassic Hydrothermal Late Cimmerian Vein
42 East of Borzoo 34 16 35 59 43 40 I Tuff and andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
43 Ebdal-e-Samadi 35 39 0 46 36 0 M Andesibasalt, limestone, and shale/ Hydrothermal Laramide Vein to massive
Cretaceous
44 Elit 36 20 0 51 6 0 L Sandstone/Upper Precambrian Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein, lens Pb, Zn

45 Esfarayen 36 33 47 50 36 0 I Tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
9.1
46 Faskhoud 32 29 20 51 59 15 S Limestone/Cretaceous Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein

47 Gachsar 35 49 0 51 28 0 S Tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
48 Galleh Siah 34 22 40 50 50 30 S Shale and tuff/Eocene; limestone/ Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
Cretaceous
49 Garmab 35 19 0 53 47 0 S Limestone/Cretaceous Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
Introduction
50 Gavan Kuh 33 45 0 49 48 0 S Limestone/Cretaceous Unknown Unknown Vein

51 Gelak 35 14 30 50 4 30 S Tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein, lens
52 Ghara Chay 34 53 32 49 42 11 I Tuff and andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
53 Ghareh Cheytan 36 0 0 60 45 0 S Unknown Unknown Unknown Vein
54 Ghargh Abad 34 29 0 50 8 30 S Andesite and tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
55 Ghasem Abad 35 1 30 49 48 0 S Tuff/Eocene Unknown Unknown Vein
56 Ghazi Kalayeh 36 8 38 50 38 38 I Basalt/Tertiary Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
57 Gonabad 34 25 20 58 31 35 I Tuff and andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
58 Haft Her 32 10 0 53 45 0 M Limestone, sandy limestone/ Hydrothermal Hercynian Vein, lens Pb, F
Precambrian
59 Haji Abad 33 9 0 54 47 0 S Carbonaceous rocks/Lower Volcanosedi- Unknown Stratiformbed, Pb
Cretaceous; carbonate rocks/ mentary lens, veinlet
Lower Paleozoic
60 Hemat Abad 35 8 46 60 11 26 I Sandstone and limestone/Triassic Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
61 Hoseyn Abad 36 33 27 49 14 8 S Volcanics/Tertiary Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
62 Hudeh 32 15 0 53 37 0 S Dolomite, shale, and limestone/Upper Hydrothermal Pan-African Vein Pb, Cu
63 Ipak 35 38 18 50 17 45 S Pyroclastics/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
64 Ivanak 36 20 0 50 50 0 S Tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
65 Jasb 34 10 0 50 51 0 M Andesite and tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
66 Kaboutar Kuh 34 7 45 58 53 35 I Limestone, dolomite, and sandstone/ Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
Jurassic
67 Kalateh 34 34 10 60 6 23 I Limestone and dolomite/Cretaceous Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
68 Khaman 30 29 30 56 28 30 M Volcanics/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein, stratiformbed
(continued)
507
(continued)
508

69 Kamar Kajgan 34 18 6 50 48 37 I Tuff and andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
70 Kamshecheh 32 56 0 51 51 0 L Dolomite and limestone/Mid-Triassic Hydrothermal Early Vein, lens
Cimmerian
71 Karat 34 33 57 60 32 56 I Limestone, dolomite, and sandstone/ Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
Jurassic
72 Kelak-e-Karaj 35 47 0 51 7 0 S Tuff and shale/Eocene Volcanic Pyrenean Vein
73 Khureh Abad 31 3 40 52 51 15 S Limestone and schist/Lower Hydrothermal Early Vein, Stratiformbed
Mesozoic Cimmerian
74 kordin 34 53 36 60 13 5 I Rhyolite and dacite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
75 Kubi Lark 36 32 30 50 0 30 S Tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
76 Kuh-e-Arzandeh 1 35 0 45 60 0 40 I Tuff and andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Pb
77 Kuh-e-Arzandeh 2 34 45 0 60 12 27 I Rhyolite and dacite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
78 Kuh-e-Arzandeh 3 34 55 50 60 10 51 I Rhyolite and dacite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
79 Kuh-e-Bahereh 34 27 54 60 29 1 I Rhyolite and dacite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
80 Kuh-e-Bazd 1 35 9 15 60 21 39 I Andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
81 Kuh-e-Bazd 2 35 7 37 60 23 43 I Rhyolite and dacite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
82 Kuh-e-Cheshmeh 33 36 13 59 30 38 I Diorite, monzonite, and syenite/ Hydrothermal Pyrenean Unknown
zebri Tertiary
83 Kuh-e-Gijkin 36 31 0 50 23 0 S Tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
84 Kuh-e-Hendi 34 49 51 50 14 39 I Tuff and andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
85 Kuh-e-kafar Rah 35 55 0 51 46 0 S Unknown Unknown Unknown Vein
86 Kuh-e-Kamar Sabz 34 58 20 60 27 23 I Rhyolite and dacite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
87 Kuh-e-Khashchal 36 31 30 50 30 0 S Tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
88 Kuh-e-Mahyar 33 45 35 59 8 23 I Andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
89 Kuh-e-Mianjani 35 4 47 60 26 7 I Rhyolite and dacite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
90 Kuh-e-Nahour 34 32 40 59 57 13 I Limestone/Cretaceous Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
91 Kuh-e-Nakhjiv 35 7 9 60 22 30 I Rhyolite and dacite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
92 Kuh-e-Padeshahan 35 24 30 60 4 25 I Limestone and dolomite/Cretaceous Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein

93 Kuh-e-Pasakuh 34 58 39 59 58 5 I Tuff and andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
9.1
94 Kuh-e-she Pestan 33 12 2 60 14 50 I Volcanics/Cretaceous Hydrothermal Late Cimmerian Vein

95 Kuh-e-Sorkheh Hesar 35 6 29 60 16 7 I Sandstone and limestone/Upper Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
Paleozoic
96 Kuh-e-Tah darreh 34 57 30 60 4 28 I Rhyolite and dacite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
97 Kuh-e-Tajdar 35 1 30 60 21 18 I Rhyolite and dacite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
Introduction
98 Kuh-e-Zard 33 10 0 54 57 0 S Massive limestone/Lower Cretaceous Hydrothermal Late Cimmerian Vein, lens, veinlet
99 Ladinar Chahmish 33 14 0 51 52 30 S Limestone/Cretaceous Hydrothermal Late Cimmerian Vein
100 Lar 35 48 0 51 53 0 S Tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein, lens
101 Lielestan 36 9 0 51 8 0 S Tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
102 Lirestan 37 11 30 50 4 30 S Unknown Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
103 Manzariyeh-ye-Qom 34 53 0 50 57 30 S Andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
104 Mehdi Abad 31 29 0 55 1 30 M Limestone, dolomite, and sandstone/ Hydrothermal Late Cimmerian Lens
Lower Cretaceous
105 Nabi Abad 34 13 35 59 45 30 I Tuff and andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
106 Nayeh 34 38 30 50 15 0 I Tuff and andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
107 Nigh 34 4 0 51 16 0 S Volcanics and pyroclastics/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
108 Nineh-ye-Qom 34 3 30 50 31 0 S Tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
109 Niyuk 32 24 30 54 36 30 S Limestone and dolomite/ Hydrothermal Late Cimmerian Vein to lens Pb, F
110 North of Gazorkan 36 33 0 50 30 0 I Shale, sandstone, and limestone/ Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
Precambrian
111 Nowbaran 35 1 30 49 44 0 S Tuff/Eocene; middle-bedded Hydrothermal Pyrenean Lens
limestone/Paleocene
112 Nowbaran 1 36 1 21 50 55 53 I Tuff and volcanics/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
113 Nowdaran 36 11 30 50 28 30 S Tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
114 Nusha 36 36 30 50 32 20 S Tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
115 Ostad Bakharno 34 51 23 60 15 0 I Rhyolite and dacite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
116 Parachan 36 17 0 50 51 0 S Tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
117 Parkeh 36 21 0 50 6 0 S Unknown Hydrothermal Pyrenean Stratiformbed
(continued)
509
(continued)
510

118 Poshteh 35 23 0 53 37 10 S Medium- to thick-bedded limestone/ Hydrothermal Late Cimmerian Vein
Upper Jurassic
119 Qez Gholleh 36 19 0 50 18 30 S Unknown Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
120 Qom 34 4 0 50 30 0 S Andesite and tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Lens
121 Rasour 33 22 30 53 24 5 I Trachyandesite and volcanosedimen- Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein and lens
tary rocks/Eocene
122 Razaghan 35 20 0 49 57 0 S Tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Pb
123 Renj-e-Vejan 36 5 0 52 4 0 S Unknown Unknown Unknown Vein
124 Robat 35 1 33 60 18 45 I Rhyolite and dacite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
125 Rudkhaneh-ye-Ali 36 1 24 50 51 3 I Tuff and volcanics/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Pb
Zan
126 RudShur-Shahdasht 35 39 14 50 46 15 S Limestone and andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
127 Safar Abad 34 52 0 50 54 30 S Andesite/Oligo-Miocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein F
128 Salafchegan 34 29 3 50 24 23 I Tuff and andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Pb, F
129 Sangan Paien 34 27 6 60 29 1 I Rhyolite and dacite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Lens
130 Sangobal 37 3 16 49 5 45 I Limestone/Jurassic Hydrothermal Late Cimmerian Vein
131 Sefid Abad 35 8 35 60 11 55 I Sandstone and limestone/Triassic Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
132 Sefid Kuh-e-Khur 34 52 13 60 11 49 I Rhyolite and dacite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
133 Sepidarak 36 5 10 50 40 50 S Tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
134 Seyed Mohammad 35 2 25 60 23 45 I Rhyolite and dacite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
135 Shah Alamdar 36 15 0 49 59 30 S Rhyolite, trachyte, and tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
136 Shalamzar 36 5 10 50 40 50 S Tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Pb
137 Shekarnab 36 18 14 50 18 30 I Basalt/Tertiary Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Cu
138 Shirin Bolagh 34 22 0 50 34 30 S Shale and tuffaceous sandstone/ Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
Eocene
139 Siah Kuh 34 57 0 51 58 30 S Trachyte and andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
140 Siah Lakh 34 52 13 60 18 35 I Rhyolite and dacite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
141 Siavashan 34 28 55 50 8 24 I Tuff and andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein

142 Soltan Abad 34 36 0 50 14 30 S Tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein, stratiformbed
9.1
143 South of Abbas 34 5 35 59 5 35 I Limestone, dolomite, and sandstone/ Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Pb
Abad Jurassic
144 South of Siah Rud 36 45 7 49 34 30 I Sandstone and limestone/Upper Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
Paleozoic
145 Souzan 34 26 23 60 0 38 I Limestone and dolomite/Cretaceous Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
Introduction
146 Takht-e-Chaman 35 9 30 50 23 30 S Tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein

147 Tall-e-Siah 33 15 0 54 47 0 M Limestone/Cretaceous Hydrothermal Late Cimmerian Lens, stratiformbed
148 Tamasha 35 39 0 51 50 0 S Limestone/Paleocene Epithermal Pyrenean Vein
149 Tang-e-Duzan 33 3 39 49 57 30 S Limestone/Cretaceous Hydrothermal Late Cimmerian Vein
(Tang-e-Bid)
150 Tappeh Sorkh-e- 34 6 0 50 46 0 S Limestone and tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein, massive
Bijegan
151 Tayersar 37 9 30 50 5 0 S Unknown Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
152 Teikhur 36 10 15 50 29 20 S Tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
153 Tighchal 36 18 30 50 32 0 S Tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Lens
154 Vandar 36 32 0 50 30 0 S Rhyolite, trachyte, and tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein, lens Pb
155 Varan 34 10 0 50 55 0 L Andesite and tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
156 Varbon 36 32 0 50 30 0 Schist and sandstone/Precambrian Hydrothermal Unknown Vein
157 Varedeh 33 56 31 59 15 48 I Andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Pb
158 Varsan 34 28 10 50 15 50 S Trachytic tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Cu, F
159 Yarak 36 18 0 50 47 19 I Shale, sandstone, and limestone/ Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Pb
Precambrian
160 Yark 36 25 52 50 48 24 I Tuff and basalt/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
161 Yekeh Kuh 34 34 44 60 27 23 I Phyllite and dacite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Pb
162 Zar1andZar2 34 2 0 50 50 0 S Andesite/Oligo-Miocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
511
512
Complete list of Mica mineral deposits and indications of Iran along with their detailed specifications
1 Amlash 37 4 0 50 8 20 S Dyke lamprophyre/Eocene Magmatic Pyrenean Vein
2 Arzanfud 34 45 0 48 35 0 I Metamorphic rock/Jurassic Muscovite: Laramide Vein Sodic feldspar

pegmatitic
3 Bug 29 14 0 61 9 0 I Granitoid/Eocene–Oligocene Pegmatitic Pyrenean Vein
4 Chah Zard 34 3 44 54 34 0 I Schist/Upper Precambrian–Lower Metamorphic Pan-African Vein
Cambrian
5 Chahgaz 29 31 5 55 2 20 S Granite, schist, and limestone/ Pegmatitic Hercynian Vein
Permo-Triassic
6 Ching Kalagh 36 10 0 59 36 0 I Granite/Paleozoic Pegmatitic Hercynian Vein Sodic and potasic
feldspar
7 Deh Gheiby 36 12 0 59 53 0 I Granite/Paleozoic Pegmatitic Hercynian Vein
8 Deh Gheshlagh 36 4 0 59 42 0 S Granite/Paleozoic Pegmatitic Hercynian Vein Feldspar
9 Dehnow 33 26 0 49 54 0 I Granodiorite/Upper Pre–Mid- Pegmatitic Laramide Vein
Cretaceous
10 Dehnow Asadollah 34 43 0 48 41 0 S Metamorphic rock/Jurassic Metamorphic Laramide Vein Sodic feldspar
Khan
11 Gharah Bagh 38 4 21 45 2 14 S Alkali granite, phlogopite bearing Metasomatic Laramide Vein Apatite
pyroxenite and hornfels/Upper
12 Gheshlagh 36 5 51 59 40 39 S Granite and pegmatite/Paleozoic Pegmatitic Hercynian Vein
9.1
13 Jandagh 34 5 11 54 34 32 S Mica-schist, amphibolite, and Metamorphic Pan-African Vein

crystalline limestone/Precambrian pegmatitic
14 Khajeh Morad 36 8 0 59 41 0 I Granite/Paleozoic Magmatic Hercynian Vein
15 Khonardeh 33 47 49 49 13 0 I Granodiorite/Upper Cretaceous Pegmatitic Laramide Vein
Introduction
16 Kuh-e-Kafari 35 43 38 55 18 21 Mica-schist/Precambrian Metamorphic Pan-African Lens

17 Mangavy 34 41 0 48 43 0 I Metamorphic rock/Jurassic Metamorphic Laramide Vein Sodic feldspar
18 Molla Bagh 37 8 26 49 0 52 S Granite and pegmatitic/Paleozoic; Pegmatitic Late Cimmerian Vein
(Masouleh) limestone, shale, and sandstone/
Jurassic
19 Molla Taleb 33 31 0 49 38 0 S Granodiorite/Pre–Mid-Cretaceous Pegmatitic Laramide Vein
20 Southeast of 33 59 44 54 40 36 I Schist/Upper Precambrian–Lower Pegmatitic Pan-African Vein
Jandagh Cambrian
21 Yaromghiyeh 38 40 13 45 1 13 S Granite, mica-schist, phlogopite Metasomatism Post-Pyrenean Lens Feldspar
bearing pyroxenite and hornfels/
Upper Cretaceous–Lower
Paleocene
22 Zahran 38 42 0 45 6 0 S Granite, mica-schist, phlogopite Pegmatitic Laramide Lens
bearing pyroxenite and hornfels/
Tertiary
23 Zaman Abad 34 38 0 48 41 0 S Pegmatite Upper Cretaceous–Lower Magmatic Laramide Massive
Paleocene; schist/Jurassic
24 Zanjanbar 33 42 0 51 33 0 I Granodiorite/Oligo-Miocene; Metasomatism Post-Pyrenean Massive
limestone/Paleozoic (Skarn)
513
514
Complete list of talc mineral deposits and indications of Iran along with their detailed specifications
Lat Long Genetic/
No. Name D° M S″ D° M S″ Size Host rock/age mineralization Orogenic phases Morphology Elem para
1 Agh Bolagh 33 44 27 49 1 5 S Limestone and schist and phyllite/ Metasomatic Late Cimmerian Vein
Triassic
2 Baghestan 34 14 38 58 27 34 I Limestone/Paleogene Metasomatic Pyrenean Vein
3 Bahabad-e-Jandagh 34 1 54 54 32 16 S Crystalline schist and limestone/Upper Metasomatic Pan-African Vein
4 Bandan 1 31 18 43 60 40 9 I Ophiolite complex and limestone/ Metasomatic Laramide Unknown
Cretaceous
5 Bandan 2 31 20 21 60 40 9 I Ophiolite complex and limestone/ Metasomatic Laramide Unknown
Cretaceous
6 Bavaki 33 34 43 49 20 6 I Limestone and schist/Triassic Metasomatic Late Cimmerian Vein
7 Chah Chvchu 31 40 50 60 13 25 I Turbidites/Upper Cretaceous Metasomatic Late Cimmerian Vein
8 Chah Ebrahim Zahra 34 7 0 55 3 0 S Crystalline limestone and schist/Upper Metasomatic Pan-African Vein
Jandagh Precambrian–Lower Cambrian
9 Chah Hajat 1 31 33 26 60 30 19 I Ophiolite complex/Upper Cretaceous Metasomatic Laramide Unknown
10 Chah Hajat 2 31 32 53 60 31 16 S Ophiolite complex/Upper Cretaceous Metasomatic Laramide Unknown
11 Chah Rostam 31 35 20 60 25 16 I Ophiolite complex/Upper Cretaceous Metasomatic Laramide Unknown
12 Chah Safahu 34 4 0 54 35 0 S Crystalline schist and limestone/Upper Metasomatic Pan-African Vein
13 Chah Zard-e-Jandagh 34 2 35 54 35 0 S Crystalline schist/Upper Precambrian– Metasomatic Pan-African Vein
Lower Cambrian
14 Chahar Cheshmeh 36 16 22 59 31 8 S Ophiolite complex/Upper Paleozoic Metasomatic Hercynian Vein
15 Cheshmeh Shapour 33 1 39 55 2 4 S Sedimentary rocks/Upper Sedimentary Pyrenean Stratiformbed
Cretaceous–Tertiary
16 DarehhSukhteh 33 36 5 49 17 58 I Limestone and schist/Triassic Metasomatic Late Cimmerian Vein
17 Darreh Hadavaneh 33 32 17 49 12 45 I Limestone and schist and phyllite/ Metasomatic Late Cimmerian Vein
Triassic
18 Darreh Pahn 26 37 0 57 37 0 S Flysch/Miocene, shale, and sandstone/ Metasomatic Post-Pyrenean Vein
Eocene
19 Darreh Shiran 33 31 37 49 15 43 I Limestone and schist/Triassic Metasomatic Late Cimmerian Vein
9.1
(Darizhan Bala)
20 Deh Haji 33 31 0 49 19 0 S Limestone, dolomite, and schist/ Metasomatic Late Cimmerian Vein
Triassic
21 Deh Mousa 33 34 0 49 20 0 S Dolomite and schist/Triassic Metasomatic Late Cimmerian Vein
22 Digelan-e-Fariman 35 35 0 59 40 0 S Ultramafic rocks/Upper Cretaceous Metasomatic Laramide Vein
Introduction
23 East of Anarak 33 19 8 53 48 41 I Crystalline schist/Upper Precambrian– Metasomatic Pan-African Vein

Lower Cambrian
24 East of Nari 35 32 11 59 42 49 I Ophiolite complex/Upper Cretaceous Metasomatic Laramide Vein
25 Easth of Kuh-e- 31 24 25 60 35 19 I Sandstone, limestone, and dolomite/ Metasomatic Laramide Unknown
Malekdun Triassic
26 Ferdows 33 45 21 57 17 36 I Rhyolite and dacite/Tertiary; Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
limestone/Jurassic
27 Gheshlagh 38 39 0 44 47 20 S Amphibolite, mica-schist, and Hydrothermal Laramide Vein
ultramafic rocks/Upper Cretaceous
28 Gonabad 34 2 15 59 1 5 I Dolomite and limestone/Paleogene Metasomatic Pyrenean Vein
29 Gorji DarrehSy 36 46 0 47 17 0 S Ultramafic rocks/Precambrian Metasomatic Pan-African Lens
30 Gushe (Mohsenebne 33 42 0 49 1 0 S Schist, metamorphosed limestone, and Metasomatic Late Cimmerian Vein
Ali) volcanic rocks/Triassic
31 Hola Heydar 33 22 25 53 43 14 I Phyllite and schist/Precambrian Metasomatic Pan-African Vein
32 Jandagh 1 34 4 0 54 36 0 S Phyllite and schist/Precambrian Metasomatic Pan-African Vein
33 Jandagh 2 34 4 30 54 36 0 S Phyllite and schist/Precambrian Metasomatic Pan-African Vein
34 Khanghah 38 39 20 44 47 50 S Amphibolite, mica-schist, and Metasomatic Laramide Vein
ultramafic rocks/Upper Cretaceous
35 Lakuh-e-Sefid 31 31 6 60 13 27 I Turbidites/Cretaceous Metasomatic Late Cimmerian Vein
36 Mansh 27 4 50 61 11 45 S Ophiolite complex/Upper Cretaceous Metamorphic and Laramide vein
metasomatic
37 Masod Abad 33 31 0 49 18 0 S Limestone, dolomite/Permian Hydrothermal Late Cimmerian Vein
and
metasomatic
38 Mesgar Abad 35 34 5 52 0 14 S Talc schist, andesite, and tuff/Eocene Metasomatic Pyrenean Vein
(continued)
515
516
(continued)
Lat Long Genetic/
No. Name D° M S″ D° M S″ Size Host rock/age mineralization Orogenic phases Morphology Elem para
39 Moluk 34 9 40 49 4 10 S Limestone, dolomite, and schist/ Metasomatic Laramide Vein
Jurassic
40 Mozdabad 34 1 50 59 2 30 I Dolomite and limestone/Paleogene Metasomatic Pyrenean Vein
41 Nain-Zavar 33 3 37 51 21 3 I Limestone/Cretaceous Sedimentary Laramide Stratiformbed
42 Nehbandan 31 41 34 60 13 21 I Turbidites/Upper Cretaceous Metasomatic Late Cimmerian Vein
43 Norh of Tamam Deh 1 31 55 58 60 28 1 I Rhyolite and dacite/Tertiary Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
47 North of Patiyar 33 11 29 53 55 22 I Phyllite and schist/Precambrian Metasomatic Pan-African Vein
48 Northeast of Anarak 33 21 35 53 43 45 I Crystalline schist/Upper Precambrian– Metasomatic Pan-African Vein
Lower Cambrian
49 Northwest of Deh 31 58 55 60 12 15 I Phyllite and flysch/Upper Cretaceous Metasomatic Laramide Vein
Garw
50 Patiyar 33 19 2 53 48 6 I Phyllite and schist/Precambrian Metasomatic Pan-African Vein
51 Sagh 34 57 30 60 4 28 S Ultramafic rocks/Paleozoic Metasomatic Pan-African Vein
52 Salehabad 33 2 36 49 45 21 Limestone/Cretaceous Metasomatic Pyrenean Vein
53 Seh Farsakh 31 16 5 60 2 49 I Andesite, phyllite, and schist/Tertiary Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
54 Shovin 29 41 56 60 3 35 I Ophiolite complex/Upper Cretaceous Metasomatic Laramide Lens
55 Sira 36 7 0 51 8 0 S Shale, sandstone, and dolomite/ Hydrothermal Pan-African Vein, veinlet,
Triassic lens
56 Sivakh Bolagh 36 46 0 47 15 0 S Ultramafic rocks/Precambrian Metasomatic Pan-African Lens
57 South of Bandan fault 31 34 3 60 25 54 I Ophiolite complex/Upper Cretaceous Metasomatic Laramide Unknown
58 South of Kuh-e- 31 19 2 60 40 24 I Ophiolite complex and limestone/ Metasomatic Laramide Unknown
Malekdun Cretaceous
59 Southwest of Arusan 34 5 54 55 1 58 I Crystalline limestone and schist/Upper Metasomatic Pan-African Vein
60 Tamam Deh 31 49 54 60 28 6 I Rhyolite and dacite/Tertiary Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
9.1
61 Tanurdar 33 38 44 49 3 54 Limestone and schist/Triassic Metasomatic Late Cimmerian Vein

62 Tidar 33 36 0 49 13 0 S Limestone, dolomite, and schist/ Metasomatic Late Cimmerian Vein
Triassic
63 Vardeh 35 13 46 50 1 49 S Talc schist, andesite, and tuff/ Metasomatic Pyrenean Vein
Oligocene
Introduction
64 West of Alam Kandy 36 47 0 47 17 0 S Ultramafic rocks/Precambrian Metasomatic Pan-African Lens

65 Zailik 38 40 54 46 6 25 I Rhyolite and dacite/Eocene, limestone/ Metasomatic Pyrenean Vein
Cretaceous
517
518
Complete list of polymetal deposits and indications of Iran along with their detailed specifications
1 Baychebagh 36 51 59 47 18 16 S Hydrobreccia and acidic tuff and Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein Cu, Zn, Pb, Mo,
porphyrite Dacite/Oligo-Miocene Ni, Co, Bi,
Au
2 Barikab 36 16 49 49 18 21 Acidic Tuff and intrusive granitoid Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein
rocks/Eocene–Oligocene
3 Chah Gaz 29 30 45 55 2 0 I Granodiorite, schist, and limestone/ Massive sulfide Cimmerian Vein Cu, Pb, Zn, Au
Permo-Triassic
4 Chah kalab 31 58 0 59 31 20 S Basic extrusive/Tertiary; marble and Skarn Pyrenean Vein W, Cu, Zn, Pb
schist/Jurassic
5 Chah Musa 35 30 0 54 55 0 S Granite and diorite/Upper Eocene– Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Cu, Pb, Au
Lower Oligocene
6 Chah Shureh 33 23 20 53 41 30 S Schist and ultramafic/Upper Hydrothermal Pan-African Vein Ni, Cu, Co, Zn,
Precambrian Pb, Au, Ag
7 Chahpalang 32 56 59 54 11 33 S Shale and sandstone/Jurassic; schist/ Hydrothermal Late Cimmerian Vein Cu, W, Au, Ni,
Upper Proterozoic Bi
8 Cheshmeh 33 36 30 53 30 0 I Schist/Precambrian; quartz Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Cu, Ni
Chah Sefid keratophyre/Cretaceous
9 Cheshmeh Hafez 35 24 57 54 44 59 S Andesite and tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein Cu, Pb, Au, Zn
10 Cheshmeh Karim 33 23 30 53 32 20 S Schist and marble/Upper Precambrian Hydrothermal Pan-African Lens Cu, Ni
9.1
11 Cheshmeh Shurab 33 26 40 53 32 10 S Serpentinite/Upper Precambrian Hydrothermal Pan-African Vein Cu, Ni

12 Gharechilar 38 50 25 46 23 30 S Granite and granodiorite/Upper Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein Cu, Mo, (Au),
Eocene–Lower Oligocene W
13 Jameni 33 26 35 54 13 40 S Chlorite-quartz-sericite schist/ Skarn Pyrenean Lens Cu, Ag, Mo
Precambrian; monzonite
Introduction
porphyry/Eocene
14 Kalkafi 33 24 0 54 14 0 L Schist/Upper Precambrian; granite/ Porphyry Pyrenean Disseminated Cu, Mo, Au
Eocene
15 Kharestan 28 42 0 60 54 0 S Trachyte, trachyandesite, and breccia Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein Cu, Pb, Zn, Ag
tuff/Oligo-Miocene
16 Khuni 33 26 35 54 12 8 S Dolomite and dolomitic marble/ Pb-Zn: MVT, Au: Pan-African Vein Cu, Pb, Au
Upper Precambrian; volcanics/ Hydrothermal
Eocene
17 Qamsar 33 45 0 51 23 0 I Tonalite/Post-Miocene; limestone/ Skarn Post-Pyrenean Vein Cu, Co
Oligo-Miocene
18 Rasur 33 23 30 53 43 20 I Ultramafic rocks/Upper Precambrian Hydrothermal Pan-African Vein Cu, Ni, Au, Ag
19 Taknar 35 22 0 57 46 0 S Granite and volcanic rocks, slate Massive sulfide Pan-African Stratiformbed Cu, Zn, Pb, Au,
phyllite/Precambrian Ag
519
520
Complete list of sulfur mineral deposits and indications of Iran along with their detailed specifications
No. Name D° M S″ D° M S″ Size Host rock/Age Mineralization Phases Morphology Elem Para
1 Berkeh Seflin 26 42 16 55 13 12 S Sandstone and shale/Oligocene, Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein, veinlet, and lens
Limestone/Eocene
2 Bostaneh 26 36 16 54 49 13 S Limestone, sandstone, siltstone, Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
dolomite, and gypsum/Upper
Proterozoic-Lower Paleozoic
3 Dastkuh Basaeidu 26 39 16 55 17 6 S Gypsum, limestone, and sandstone/ Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Disseminated, lens
Precambrian
4 Poljar 26 48 50 55 12 18 I Shale, marl, sandstone, and gypsum/ Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Precambrian
5 Qeshm 26 55 22 56 4 12 S Shale, marl, sandstone, and gypsum/ Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Precambrian
6 Hormoz 27 5 30 56 28 30 I Shale, marl, sandstone, and gypsum/ Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Precambrian
7 Khamir 27 2 47 55 41 32 S Quartz porphyry/Upper Proterozoic– Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein, veinlet, and Lens
Lower Paleozoic
8 Khatuneh 27 5 34 54 10 46 I Shale, marl, sandstone, and gypsum/ Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
Precambrian
9 Kormusen 27 30 0 54 30 0 S Limestone and gypsum/Miocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Stratiformbed and lens
10 Behbahan 30 4 5 51 23 50 S Limestone and gypsum/Miocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Stratiformbed and lens
11 Dokuh 32 28 38 48 40 0 I Limestone and gypsum/Miocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Stratiformbed and lens
12 Delazin 35 24 32 53 22 49 S Gypsum and limestone/Miocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Disseminated, vein,
and veinlet
13 Haji Abad 35 23 55 53 29 20 S Sandstone, marl, and gypsum/ Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Stratiformbed
Miocene
14 Kuh-e-Sorkh 35 24 32 53 9 2 I Gypsum and limestone/Miocene Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
15 Semnan 35 32 27 53 31 20 S Sandstone, marl, and gypsum/ Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Lens
Miocene
9.1
Introduction
Complete list of turquoise mineral deposits and indications of Iran along with their detailed specifications
1 Chah Ebrahim Zahra 34 5 58 55 2 56 I Schist, marble, and quartzite/Upper Proterozoic Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein and veinlet Ag
2 Chahposhti 34 6 31 55 1 38 I Schist, marble, and quartzite/Upper Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein and veinlet
Proterozoic
3 Neignan 34 23 19 57 22 25 I Dacitic volcanic and andesite/Upper Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein and veinlet
4 Baghu 35 26 30 54 38 45 S Andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein and veinlet Au
5 Neyshabur 36 27 20 58 25 24 S Andesite/Eocene Hydrothermal Pyrenean Vein and veinlet Au
521
522
Complete list of turquoise mineral deposits and indications of Iran along with their detailed specifications
1 Ghareh Aghaj 37 46 0 44 48 30 M Ultramafic and mafic rocks/Precambrian Magmatic Pan-African (Pyrenean) Massive, Placery
(probably Cretaceous–Paleocene)
2 Kahnouj 27 41 0 57 47 0 M Ultramafic and mafic rocks/Cretaceous Magmatic Pan-African Massive
9.1
Introduction
Complete list of titanium mineral deposits and indications of Iran along with their detailed specifications
Lat Long
Genetic/ Orogenic
1 Ghareh Aghaj 37 46 0 44 48 30 M Ultramafic and mafic rocks/Precambrian Magmatic Pan-African (Pyrenean) Massive, placery
(probably Cretaceous–Paleocene)
2 Kahnouj 27 41 0 57 47 0 M Ultramafic and mafic rocks/Cretaceous Magmatic Pan-African Massive
523
524
Complete list of strontium mineral deposits and indications of Iran along with their detailed specifications
1 Bebahan 30 41 0 50 24 0 S Gypsum, marl, and limestone/ Sedimentary Post-Pyrenean Stratiformbed
Lower Miocene
2 Gurecheh Berenj 34 6 39 54 3 14 S Shale, mudstone, sandstone, and Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Vein
limestone/Oligo-Miocene
3 Malek Abad 34 35 4 52 24 0 S Gypsumferous marl/Oligo-Miocene Sedimentary and Post-Pyrenean Stratiformbed
hydrothermal
4 Talheh 34 30 20 52 39 31 S Shale, mudstone, sandstone, and Hydrothermal Post-Pyrenean Stratiformbed Zn
limestone/Oligo-Miocene
5 North Of Daryaye Namak 1 34 58 43 51 58 50 S Gypsumferous marl/Oligo-Miocene Sedimentary Post-Pyrenean Stratiformbed
6 North Of Daryaye Namak 2 34 59 32 52 0 0 S Gypsumferous marl/Oligo-Miocene Sedimentary Post-Pyrenean Stratiformbed
7 Mesgar Abad 35 10 0 51 43 0 S Gypsumferous marl/Oligo-Miocene Sedimentary Post-Pyrenean Stratiformbed
8 Nazar Abad 35 9 49 51 45 0 S Gypsumferous marl/Oligo-Miocene Sedimentary Post-Pyrenean Stratiformbed
Complete list of sulfate sodium mineral deposits and indications of Iran along with their detailed specifications
9.1

1 Abbas Abad 35 13 0 52 48 0 S Clay and silt/Pleistocene Evaporite Post-Pyrenean Surface stratiformbed
2 Agha Beyk 35 11 0 53 24 0 S Clay and silt/Pleistocene Evaporite Post-Pyrenean Surface stratiformbed
Introduction
3 Asgar Abad 35 2 0 51 46 0 S Clay and silt/Pleistocene Evaporite Post-Pyrenean Surface stratiformbed

4 Belgheitas 35 14 0 51 30 0 S Clay and silt/Pleistocene Evaporite Post-Pyrenean Surface stratiformbed
5 Chah Jires 33 48 0 58 7 0 I Clay and silt/Pleistocene Evaporite Post-Pyrenean Surface stratiformbed
6 Chamburak 35 16 0 51 29 0 S Clay and silt/Pleistocene Evaporite Post-Pyrenean Surface stratiformbed
7 Dasht-e-Azadegan 31 43 0 48 28 0 I Clay and silt/Pleistocene Evaporite Post-Pyrenean Surface stratiformbed
8 Deh Naghsh 35 4 0 52 32 0 S Clay and silt/Pleistocene Evaporite Post-Pyrenean Surface stratiformbed
9 Dehnamak 35 15 0 52 44 0 S Clay and silt/Pleistocene Evaporite Post-Pyrenean Surface stratiformbed
10 DehShureh 35 16 0 51 53 0 S Clay and silt/Pleistocene Evaporite Post-Pyrenean Surface stratiformbed
11 Dolat Abad-e-Kharabeh 34 37 11 51 8 0 S Clay and silt/Pleistocene Evaporite Post-Pyrenean Surface stratiformbed
12 Fasha Fouieyeh 35 12 0 51 26 0 S Clay and silt/Pleistocene Evaporite Post-Pyrenean Surface stratiformbed
13 Gol Ara 34 12 0 51 17 0 S Clay and silt/Pleistocene Evaporite Post-Pyrenean Surface stratiformbed
14 Hesar Gely 34 57 0 51 18 0 S Clay and silt/Pleistocene Evaporite Post-Pyrenean Surface stratiformbed
15 Hows-e-Soltan 35 3 0 50 58 0 I Clay and silt/Pleistocene Evaporite Post-Pyrenean Surface stratiformbed
16 Ijdanak 35 8 0 51 18 0 S Clay and silt/Pleistocene Evaporite Post-Pyrenean Surface stratiformbed
17 Jahan Abad-e-Varamine 35 6 0 51 52 0 S Clay and silt/Pleistocene Evaporite Post-Pyrenean Surface stratiformbed
18 Karim Abad 34 47 0 51 48 0 S Clay and silt/Pleistocene Evaporite Post-Pyrenean Surface stratiformbed
19 Kavir-e-Mighan 34 8 0 49 52 0 I Clay and silt/Pleistocene Evaporite Post-Pyrenean Surface stratiformbed
20 Lasjerd 35 23 0 53 5 0 S Clay and silt/Pleistocene Evaporite Post-Pyrenean Surface stratiformbed
21 Manzariyeh 34 51 0 50 46 0 S Clay and silt/Pleistocene Evaporite Post-Pyrenean Surface stratiformbed
22 Mighan 34 9 6 49 47 32 S Clay and silt/Pleistocene Evaporite Post-Pyrenean Surface stratiformbed
23 Mohammad Abad 35 22 0 51 30 0 S Clay and silt/Pleistocene Evaporite Post-Pyrenean Surface stratiformbed
24 Najm Abad 35 53 0 50 25 0 S Clay and silt/Pleistocene Evaporite Post-Pyrenean Surface stratiformbed
25 Nurrod in Abad 35 5 0 52 26 0 S Clay and silt/Pleistocene Evaporite Post-Pyrenean Surface stratiformbed
(continued)
525
(continued)
526

26 Qaleh HasanAli Rain 29 31 0 58 18 0 S Clay and silt/Pleistocene Evaporite Post-Pyrenean Surface stratiformbed
27 Sagzi 32 32 0 51 58 0 S Clay and silt/Pleistocene Evaporite Post-Pyrenean Surface stratiformbed
28 Shokr Abad 34 59 0 51 43 0 S Clay and silt/Pleistocene Evaporite Post-Pyrenean Surface stratiformbed
29 South west of Varamine 35 12 0 51 20 0 S Clay and silt/Pleistocene Evaporite Post-Pyrenean Surface stratiformbed
30 West of Safaiyeh 35 12 0 52 44 0 I Clay and silt/Pleistocene Evaporite Post-Pyrenean Surface stratiformbed
31 Yusef Abad 34 59 30 51 25 0 S Clay and silt/Pleistocene Evaporite Post-Pyrenean Surface stratiformbed
32 Zarrin Abad 36 3 0 54 37 0 S Clay and silt/Pleistocene Evaporite Post-Pyrenean Surface stratiformbed
9.1
Introduction
Complete list of pumice deposits and indications of Iran along with their detailed specifications
Lat Long
Genetic/ Orogenic
1 Gazaneh 35 55 0 52 15 0 M Pumice with trachyandesite composition/Neogene Volcanic Post-Pyrenean Lens
2 Karaf 35 59 0 52 13 0 L Pumice/Quaternary with andesite composition Volcanic Post-Pyrenean Lens

3 Malar 35 58 40 52 14 14 M Pumice with trachyte composition/Quaternary Volcanic Post-Pyrenean Stratiformbed
4 Rineh 35 54 0 52 6 0 S Pumice with trachyandesite composition/Neogene Volcanic Post-Pyrenean Lens and layered
5 Esfandagheh 37 53 57 46 28 40 M Ignimbrite/Neogene Volcanic Post-Pyrenean Stratiformbed
6 Iranagh 37 54 51 46 34 8 M Ignimbrite/Neogene Volcanic Post-Pyrenean Stratiformbed
7 Avaj 38 5 0 44 40 0 M Basalt and andesite/Quaternary Volcanic Post-Pyrenean Stratiformbed
8 Sar Eine 38 9 0 48 3 0 M Latite basalt and andesite/Plio-Quaternary Volcanic Post-Pyrenean Stratiformbed
9 Velheriz 38 15 20 47 35 45 L Pumice with trachyandesite composition/Neogene Volcanic Post-Pyrenean Lens
527
528
Complete list of perlite deposits and indications of Iran along with their detailed specifications
1 Abak 37 21 51 47 26 58 M Tuff/Eocene Volcanic Pyrenean Stratiformbed
2 Ajami 37 27 51 47 26 58 M Tuff/Eocene Volcanic Pyrenean Stratiformbed
3 Ashlagh Chay 37 26 47 47 36 2 M Tuff/Eocene Volcanic Pyrenean Stratiformbed
4 Sefid Khaneh 37 41 47 47 52 15 L Tuff/Miocene Volcanic Post-Pyrenean Stratiformbed
5 Shirin Bolagh 37 27 51 47 38 3 M Tuff/Eocene Volcanic Pyrenean Stratiformbed
9.1
Introduction
Complete list of ocher deposits and indications of Iran along with their detailed specifications
1 Hormoz 27 5 0 56 27 0 L Sedimentary and volcanic rock/Upper Surface Alteration Pan-African Lens
2 Nadoushan 32 2 0 53 34 0 S Clay, silite sandstone and shale bearing Surface Alteration Early Cimmerian Lens
iron/Lower Triassic
529
530
Complete list of halite mineral deposits and indications of Iran along with their detailed specifications
1 AbouMousa 25 53 15 55 1 12 S Gypsum, acidic to intermediate lava/Upper Evaporite Pan-African Stratiformbed
2 Ammarlu 36 26 11 58 30 40 S Salt, gypsum, and sulfurous marl/Miocene; Evaporite Post-Pyrenean Stratiformbed
tuff and pyroclastics/
Eocene–Oligocene
3 Angouran 27 16 9 55 17 42 S Gypsum, acidic to intermediate lava/Upper Evaporite Pan-African Stratiformbed
4 Chupanlu (Duzlakh) I Marl and shale/Miocene Evaporite Post-Pyrenean Stratiformbed
5 Farour 26 17 44 54 30 0 S Gypsum, acidic to intermediate lava/Upper Evaporite Pan-African Stratiformbed
6 Gachin 27 5 24 55 55 28 I Gypsum, dolomite limestone, shale Evaporite Pan-African Stratiformbed
limestone, and rhyolite/Upper
7 Gachin 27 7 32 55 55 0 S Gypsum, acidic to intermediate lava/Upper Evaporite Pan-African Stratiformbed
8 Gavkhuni`s Swamp 32 7 5 52 51 42 I Lake salt/Quaternary Evaporite Post-Pyrenean Stratiformbed
9 Ghalat (Kalat) 27 18 35 56 4 14 S Gypsum, acidic to intermediate lava/Upper Evaporite Pan-African Stratiformbed
10 Hormoz 27 3 13 54 53 6 I Gypsum, acidic to intermediate lava/Upper Evaporite Pan-African Stratiformbed
9.1
11 Hoseyn Abad-e- 35 19 25 52 37 28 S Marl and shale/Neogene Evaporite Post-Pyrenean Stratiformbed
Dehnamak
12 Howz-e-Soltan 35 0 0 51 0 0 I Lake salt/Quaternary Evaporite Post-Pyrenean Stratiformbed
13 Khoy`s Playa Lacks 33 50 11 55 30 20 I Lake salt/Quaternary Evaporite Post-Pyrenean Stratiformbed
Introduction
14 Kuh-e-Namak-e-Qom S Marl, gypsum, and halite/Oligo-Miocene Evaporite Post-Pyrenean Stratiformbed

15 Lark 26 51 26 56 21 36 S Gypsum, acidic to intermediate lava/Upper Evaporite Pan-African Stratiformbed
16 Melheh S Marl, gypsum, and halite/Neogene Evaporite Post-Pyrenean Stratiformbed
17 Nahand 38 16 4 46 28 38 I Marl and shale/Miocene Evaporite Post-Pyrenean Stratiformbed
18 Qeshm 26 37 4 55 29 36 S Gypsum, acidic to intermediate lava/Upper Evaporite Pan-African Stratiformbed
19 Rah Rahak 35 18 55 52 18 16 S Gypsum and salt/Eocene Evaporite Pyrenean Stratiformbed
20 Siahoo 27 46 20 56 17 27 S Gypsum, acidic to intermediate lava/Upper Evaporite Pan-African Stratiformbed
21 Sialak 35 22 10 52 14 1 S Marl/Miocene Evaporite Post-Pyrenean Stratiformbed
531
532
Complete list of feldspar and feldspathoid mineral deposits and indications of Iran along with their detailed specifications
1 Agh Bolagh 36 48 0 47 14 0 S Granite/Upper Precambrian Pegmatitic Pan-African Vein
2 Anarak 32 0 24 55 40 19 I Granite/Precambrian Pegmatitic Pan-African Unknown
3 Bamrud-e-Qayen 33 41 0 60 16 0 S Granite/Tertiary Pegmatitic Pyrenean Lens and vein
4 Bazman Darkiaban Alkali granite/Post-Triassic Pegmatitic Mid-Cimmerian Massive
5 Bid Akhvid 31 37 0 53 55 0 S Granite/Upper Jurassic Pegmatitic Late Cimmerian Vein
6 Bozgush 37 47 19 47 29 19 S Nepheline syenite/Eocene-Oligocene Pegmatitic Pyrenean Massive
7 Chador Malou 32 18 38 55 41 45 I Granite/Precambrian Pegmatitic Pan-African Unknown
8 Choghaie 34 11 0 48 38 0 S Granodiorite/Upper Cretaceous Pegmatitic Laramide Vein
9 Damak-e-Ali Abad S Granite/Upper Jurassic Pegmatitic Late Cimmerian Vein
10 Dehgan 33 55 40 48 47 15 S Granite and pegmatic/ Pegmatitic Laramide Vein
11 Dehnow 34 31 0 48 37 0 S Granodiorite/Upper Cretaceous Pegmatitic Laramide Vein
12 Dowran 36 42 0 48 23 0 S Granite/Upper Precambrian Pegmatitic Pan-African Massive
13 Duzakh Darreh 32 32 4 55 42 44 I Granite/Precambrian Pegmatitic Pan-African Unknown
14 Emarat 36 13 38 52 27 56 I Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown
15 Ganjnameh 34 41 0 48 11 0 S Granodiorite/Upper Cretaceous Pegmatitic Laramide Vein
16 Gatehdeh (Taleghan) 36 10 0 51 15 0 S Rhyolite and tuff/Eocene Volcanic Pyrenean Vein
17 Gazdun 31 33 23 53 40 2 S Granite/Upper Jurassic Pegmatitic Late Cimmerian Vein
18 Gharahdash 37 14 0 47 12 0 S Rhyolite/Upper Precambrian Pegmatitic Pan-African Vein
19 Gheshlagh 36 2 0 59 36 0 S Granite and pegmatic/ Pegmatitic Early Cimmerian Stratiformbed
20 Ghorgho Shomalou 36 47 27 47 22 7 I Granite/Precambrian Pegmatitic Pan-African Vein
21 Haji Beig 33 54 11 48 50 31 S Granite and pegmatic/ Pegmatitic Laramide Vein
22 Jahan Shir 32 48 42 55 43 18 I Granite/Precambrian Pegmatitic Pan-African Unknown

9.1
23 Jandagh 33 58 39 54 36 47 I Granite/Mesozoic Pegmatitic Unknown Unknown

24 Kaboutar Lan 33 51 45 48 56 43 S Granodiorite/Jurassic–Cretaceous Pegmatitic Laramide Vein
25 Kaleibar 38 48 0 46 59 18 I Nepheline syenite/Eocene–Oligocene Pegmatitic Pyrenean Massive
26 Khaf 35 2 0 59 32 0 S Granite/Tertiary Pegmatitic Pyrenean Vein Mica
27 Khalil Abad S Granite/Upper Jurassic Pegmatitic Late Cimmerian Vein
Introduction
28 Khoshkehdar S Granite and pegmatic/Upper Pegmatitic Laramide Vein

Cretaceous
29 Marzian 33 34 28 49 26 52 S Granite and pegmatic/ Pegmatitic Laramide Vein
30 Masuleh 37 21 33 49 5 25 S Diorite and gabbro/Triassic Magmatic Early Cimmerian Vein Mica
31 Mir Akhor 36 37 0 47 45 0 S Granite/Upper Precambrian Surface Pan-African Massive
Alteration
32 Moghanlu 36 42 0 47 52 0 S Granite/Upper Precambrian Magmatic Pan-African Massive
33 Morassaee 36 32 0 47 54 0 S Granite and rhyolite/Upper Magmatic Pan-African Massive
Precambrian
34 Northeast of Bafgh 31 57 30 55 30 0 S Granite/Upper Precambrian Pegmatitic Pan-African Vein
35 Qezelcheh 36 47 0 47 14 0 S Granite/Upper Precambrian Magmatic Pan-African Vein
36 Razgah 37 47 47 47 26 15 S Nepheline syenite/Eocene–Oligocene Magmatic Pyrenean Massive
37 Robat-e-Posht-e-Badam 32 52 30 55 7 0 S Granite/Upper Precambrian Pegmatitic Pan-African Vein
38 Sabalan 38 15 0 47 44 34 I Rhyolite/Tertiary Volcanic Post-Pyrenean Unknown
39 Sangan(Dorduy) 34 34 0 60 27 0 S Granite/Upper Eocene Pegmatitic Pyrenean Vein
40 Southwest of Mehriz 31 27 15 54 11 20 I Granite/Mesozoic Unknown Unknown Unknown
41 Valilou 38 19 5 46 51 25 I Rhyolite/Tertiary Volcanic Pyrenean Unknown
42 Varzaghan 38 13 38 47 6 51 I Rhyolite/Tertiary Volcanic Pyrenean Unknown
43 Zaman Abad 32 55 50 55 42 9 I Granite/Precambrian Unknown Pan-African Unknown
44 Zaman Abad 34 38 0 48 41 0 S Granodiorite/Upper Cretaceous Pegmatitic Laramide Vein Mica
533
534
Complete list of coal deposits and indications of Iran along with their detailed specifications
1 Fath Abad 29 47 51 57 6 55 I Shale and sandstone/Jurassic Sedimentary Early–Middle Cimmerian Stratiformbed
2 Badamoo 30 28 18 56 36 18 I Shale and sandstone/Jurassic Sedimentary Early–Middle Cimmerian Stratiformbed
3 Darreh Gaz 30 53 55 56 50 31 I Shale and sandstone/Jurassic Sedimentary Early Cimmerian Stratiformbed

4 Neyestan 30 55 13 57 9 2 I Shale and sandstone/Jurassic Sedimentary Early–Middle Cimmerian Stratiformbed
5 Parvar Deh 30 41 35 56 58 21 I Shale and sandstone/Jurassic Sedimentary Early Cimmerian Stratiformbed
6 Pabdana 31 12 48 56 20 31 S Shale and sandstone/Jurassic Sedimentary Early–Middle Cimmerian Stratiformbed
7 Robat-e-Kham 31 15 40 56 19 43 I Shale and sandstone/Jurassic Sedimentary Early–Middle Cimmerian Stratiformbed
8 Nayband 1 32 22 0 57 10 0 S Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early Cimmerian Stratiformbed
sandstone/Upper Triassic
9 Nayband 2 32 34 33 57 23 47 I Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early Cimmerian Stratiformbed
10 Nayband Area1 32 15 0 57 11 58 I Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early Cimmerian Stratiformbed
11 Nayband Area2 32 10 0 57 19 8 I Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early Cimmerian Stratiformbed
12 Shekasteh Abshar 32 20 49 57 26 10 I Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early Cimmerian Stratiformbed
13 Borj Kachal 33 23 5 56 11 36 I Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early Cimmerian Stratiformbed
14 East of Kuh-e-Jamal 33 21 39 57 19 21 I Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early Cimmerian Stratiformbed
15 Faskhoud 33 16 29 51 56 34 I Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early Cimmerian Stratiformbed
16 Hashashegh 33 29 30 51 34 4 I Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early–Middle Cimmerian Stratiformbed
17 Kal-e-Shur 33 5 32 56 1 56 I Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early Cimmerian Stratiformbed
9.1
18 Mazinow 33 10 0 56 13 5 I Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early–Middle Cimmerian Stratiformbed

19 Parvardeh 33 40 0 57 15 0 S Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early Cimmerian Stratiformbed
sandstone/Triassic–Jurassic
20 Tarak 33 58 37 56 32 36 I Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early–Middle Cimmerian Stratiformbed
Introduction
21 Torogh 33 19 27 51 49 33 I Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early–Middle Cimmerian Stratiformbed

22 Nesa Bala 34 4 56 51 20 39 I Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early Cimmerian Stratiformbed
23 Alborz 35 59 19 51 25 28 S Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early–Middle Cimmerian Stratiformbed
24 Cheshmeh Gol 35 29 30 60 44 20 I Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early Cimmerian Stratiformbed
25 Gol Banou 35 20 45 59 57 30 I Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early Cimmerian Stratiformbed
26 Jam 35 40 54 54 5 17 I Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early–Middle Cimmerian Stratiformbed
27 Kalut-e-Sefid 35 16 0 60 20 5 I Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early Cimmerian Stratiformbed
28 Kuh-e-Cheshmeh 35 15 20 60 18 5 I Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early Cimmerian Stratiformbed
Rodangi sandstone/Upper Triassic
29 Shemshak2 35 57 16 51 41 55 S Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early–Middle Cimmerian Stratiformbed
30 Siankuhi Agh 35 59 0 60 56 0 S Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early Cimmerian Stratiformbed
Darband sandstone/Upper Triassic
31 Abyek 36 19 31 50 8 12 I Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early Cimmerian Stratiformbed
32 Abyek To Ziaran1 36 3 48 50 36 15 I Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early–Middle Cimmerian Stratiformbed
33 Abyek To Ziaran2 36 5 39 50 36 55 I Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early–Middle Cimmerian Stratiformbed
535
(continued)
(continued)
536

34 Alnghayeh 36 9 51 49 35 49 I Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early–Middle Cimmerian Stratiformbed
35 Asbavin 36 40 8 49 39 3 I Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early–Middle Cimmerian Stratiformbed
36 Baba Hafez 36 14 30 54 6 27 I Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early–Middle Cimmerian Stratiformbed
37 Bayandor 36 30 12 48 27 38 I Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early–Middle Cimmerian Stratiformbed
38 Binzheh 36 48 12 49 14 39 I Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early–Middle Cimmerian Stratiformbed
39 Chal 36 10 0 51 51 0 S Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early–Middle Cimmerian Stratiformbed
40 Damghan 36 4 5 53 48 29 I Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early–Middle Cimmerian Stratiformbed
41 Derakht-e-Toot 36 8 10 59 23 50 I Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early–Middle Cimmerian Stratiformbed
42 East of Abrendan 36 24 40 54 5 28 I Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early–Middle Cimmerian Stratiformbed
43 Elika 36 5 27 51 18 54 S Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early–Middle Cimmerian Stratiformbed
44 Feshneh 36 1 44 50 46 24 I Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early–Middle Cimmerian Stratiformbed
45 Ghatar 36 57 58 46 30 36 I Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early–Middle Cimmerian Stratiformbed
46 Ghatar Paien Taraz 36 55 8 46 32 15 I Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early–Middle Cimmerian Stratiformbed
47 Gheshlagh 36 59 18 55 15 0 S Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early–Middle Cimmerian Stratiformbed
48 Goland rud 36 24 0 51 54 0 I Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early–Middle Cimmerian Stratiformbed
49 Jozchal 36 51 4 55 14 54 I Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early–Middle Cimmerian Stratiformbed
9.1
50 Kolariz 36 18 41 54 23 23 I Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early–Middle Cimmerian Stratiformbed
51 Kalavi 36 19 0 54 40 0 S Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early–Middle Cimmerian Stratiformbed
Introduction
52 Kaleshtar1 36 49 20 49 24 38 I Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early–Middle Cimmerian Stratiformbed

53 Kaleshtar2 36 48 34 49 25 26 I Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early–Middle Cimmerian Stratiformbed
54 Kar Sang 36 16 0 52 17 0 S Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early–Middle Cimmerian Stratiformbed
55 Kharsang 36 21 49 54 8 13 I Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early–Middle Cimmerian Stratiformbed
56 Kuh-e-Farbas 36 22 30 54 44 0 I Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early–Middle Cimmerian Stratiformbed
57 Kuh-e-Kahkeshan 36 45 7 54 6 0 I Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early–Middle Cimmerian Stratiformbed
58 Kuh-e-Khandaghi 36 30 15 48 30 12 I Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early–Middle Cimmerian Stratiformbed
59 Kuh-e-Labansar 36 24 39 54 22 39 I Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early–Middle Cimmerian Stratiformbed
60 Kuh-e-Petal 36 23 6 54 45 40 I Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early–Middle Cimmerian Stratiformbed
61 Kuh-e-Sangi 36 21 12 54 14 9 I Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early–Middle Cimmerian Stratiformbed
62 Kuh-e-Tamuz 36 23 38 54 19 39 I Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early–Middle Cimmerian Stratiformbed
63 Kuh-e-Tasher 36 28 38 51 48 9 I Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early–Middle Cimmerian Stratiformbed
(continued)
537
(continued)
538

64 Kuh-e-Varjeh1 36 19 8 54 25 23 I Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early–Middle Cimmerian Stratiformbed
65 Kuh-e-Varjeh2 36 27 21 54 25 4 I Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early–Middle Cimmerian Stratiformbed
66 North of Kuh-e- 36 21 30 54 9 36 I Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early–Middle Cimmerian Stratiformbed
Cheshmeh Ali sandstone/Upper Triassic
67 North of Zarband 36 9 44 52 21 9 I Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early–Middle Cimmerian Stratiformbed
68 Pishsar 36 14 34 54 4 27 I Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early–Middle Cimmerian Stratiformbed
69 Pymod 36 26 29 51 53 39 I Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early–Middle Cimmerian Stratiformbed
70 Sang Rud 36 36 0 49 49 0 S Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early–Middle Cimmerian Stratiformbed
71 Sefid Darak1 36 11 1 50 33 48 I Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early–Middle Cimmerian Stratiformbed
74 Sefid Kuh1 36 15 48 54 5 49 I Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early–Middle Cimmerian Stratiformbed
75 Sefid Kuh2 36 16 51 54 9 9 I Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early–Middle Cimmerian Stratiformbed
76 Seyed 36 4 5 59 33 41 I Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early–Middle Cimmerian Stratiformbed
77 Shemshak1 36 0 32 51 30 30 I Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early–Middle Cimmerian Stratiformbed
78 South of Deh 36 28 4 50 11 39 I Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early–Middle Cimmerian Stratiformbed
Dushab sandstone/Upper Triassic

79 South of Nesa Bala 36 3 38 51 22 30 I Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early–Middle Cimmerian Stratiformbed
9.1
80 Takht 36 38 37 54 56 39 I Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early–Middle Cimmerian Stratiformbed
81 Tarz 36 23 26 54 48 19 S Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early–Middle Cimmerian Stratiformbed
Introduction
82 Tash 36 34 0 54 40 43 S Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early–Middle Cimmerian Stratiformbed

83 Tazareh 36 25 8 54 23 15 S Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early–Middle Cimmerian Stratiformbed
84 Vaz Paien 36 22 15 52 9 53 S Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early–Middle Cimmerian Stratiformbed
85 Yakhchal 36 30 40 49 31 21 I Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early–Middle Cimmerian Stratiformbed
86 Zirab 36 0 0 53 3 32 S Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early–Middle Cimmerian Stratiformbed
87 Zoghan 36 23 30 54 20 6 I Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early–Middle Cimmerian Stratiformbed
88 Chevan Chai 37 27 25 46 10 30 I Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early–Middle Cimmerian Stratiformbed
89 Chobal 37 3 41 49 15 0 I Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early–Middle Cimmerian Stratiformbed
90 Gavmishlar Daghi 37 14 11 46 15 40 I Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early–Middle Cimmerian Stratiformbed
91 Gheimas Khan 37 27 34 46 5 25 I Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early–Middle Cimmerian Stratiformbed
92 Govareh Paien 37 20 18 46 17 32 I Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early–Middle Cimmerian Stratiformbed
93 Kuh-e-Goy Dagh 37 16 45 46 17 18 I Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early–Middle Cimmerian Stratiformbed
94 Kuh-e-Goy Posht1 37 27 44 46 10 33 I Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early–Middle Cimmerian Stratiformbed
(continued)
539
(continued)
540

95 Kuh-e-Goy Posht2 37 29 11 46 10 28 I Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early–Middle Cimmerian Stratiformbed
96 Lali Daghi 37 15 40 46 17 22 I Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early–Middle Cimmerian Stratiformbed
97 Orojeh1 37 13 35 46 21 46 I Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early–Middle Cimmerian Stratiformbed
98 Orojeh2 37 7 11 46 27 31 I Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early–Middle Cimmerian Stratiformbed
99 Taft 37 8 14 46 26 35 I Limestone, shale, and Sedimentary Early–Middle Cimmerian Stratiformbed
9.1
Introduction
Complete list of borax mineral deposits and indications of Iran along with their detailed specifications
1 Ghareh Aghaj 36 56 20 47 29 20 I Marl/Upper–Mid-Miocene Evaporation Post-Pyrenean Vein
2 Ghareh Gol 36 34 15 47 50 0 S Conglomerate, clay, and sandstone/Pliocene Evaporation Post-Pyrenean Vein
3 Mianj 36 55 45 47 27 40 I Conglomerate, clay, and sandstone/Pliocene Evaporation Post-Pyrenean Vein
541
542
Complete list of alunite mineral deposits and indications of Iran along with their detailed specifications
1 Hasan Abad 36 36 30 49 12 0 S Tuff/Mid-Eocene Hydrothermal Early Pyrenean Stratiformbed
2 Sirdan 36 39 0 49 11 0 I Tuff/Paleogene Hydrothermal Early Pyrenean Lens

3 Youzbashi Chay 36 23 0 49 26 0 I Tuff/Middle Eocene Hydrothermal Early Pyrenean Massive
4 Zaj Kandi 36 57 0 48 22 0 I Sandy tuff/Eocene Hydrothermal Early Pyrenean Massive
5 Zajkan 36 22 0 49 25 0 S Tuff/Middle Eocene Hydrothermal Early Pyrenean Lens
6 Zaylik-Ghalan Dar 38 34 30 47 6 30 I Tuff/Mid–Upper Eocene Hydrothermal Early Pyrenean Massive
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Index
A C
Alborz, 4, 47, 66, 80, 90, 200, 339, 535 Caspian Sea, 1, 2, 8, 12, 16, 18–22, 24–26,
Antimony, 85, 134, 136, 140–146, 202, 204, 29–31, 50, 63, 66, 148, 266, 339,
217, 220, 224, 225, 231, 235–238, 340, 348
240, 270, 279, 280, 282, 288, 291, Celestine, 166–168, 225, 312
298, 301, 312, 320–321, 480, 481 Chalcopyrite, 147, 149, 222, 270,
Apatite, 81, 94, 149, 154, 159, 163, 197, 202, 284, 285
207, 208, 210, 512 Chromite, 84, 97–103, 146, 200, 220, 223,
Arabian plate, 4, 5, 8, 47, 207 257, 260, 292, 298, 302, 304, 308,
Arsenic, 71, 77, 85, 133, 134, 136, 141–146, 312, 314–317, 375, 387
200, 202, 220, 222, 231, 235, 236, Clay, 33, 34, 72, 75, 82, 124, 125, 161, 168,
240, 270, 279, 280, 291, 298, 178, 179, 188, 204, 298, 482, 483,
319–320, 480, 481 525, 526, 529, 541
Azerbaijan, 1, 2, 4, 7, 8, 20, 22, 26, 30, 51–52, Climate, 1–44, 165, 187, 250
54, 60–62, 72, 80, 81, 85, 90, 91, Copper, 57, 65, 81, 101, 199,
93, 95–97, 105, 115, 117, 125, 126, 298, 389
153, 154, 163, 169, 170, 172–175, Cupellation, 76–77
180, 181, 188–190, 197, 226, 227,
266, 273, 276, 310, 317, 326, 327,
337, 339, 340, 342, 349, 351, 352 D
Dacite, 52, 110, 204, 361
Diatomite, 85, 188, 298, 300, 327
B Dimension stones, 195, 196,
Barite, 82, 83, 86, 88, 91, 117–119, 131, 328–330
169–171, 200, 219, 235, 236, Diorite, 90, 220, 356
243, 257, 298, 300, 304, 308, Dolerite, 102, 293, 401, 444,
312, 327, 505 446, 452
Bauxite, 82–84, 124–128, 187, 298, 301, 304, Dolomite, 55, 81, 88, 207, 298, 356
308, 312, 318–320, 466 Dunite, 99–102, 134, 220, 223, 291, 292,
Bentonite, 85, 181–188, 219, 261, 263, 264, 375–387
298, 300, 304, 308, 312, 326, 489
Bismuth, 136, 146, 147, 220, 224, 235, 284
Borax, 68, 74, 75, 77, 165, 298, 300, 304, 308, E
312, 325–326, 541 Eastern Iran, 33, 47, 52, 60, 69, 82–85, 91, 94,
Boron, 165, 235, 240, 325–326 95, 111, 114, 115, 134, 135, 180,
Brines, 173 181, 321, 350

568 Index
F Lut block, 47, 52, 140–141, 202, 286–288

Faults, 6, 8, 40, 41, 47, 51–54, 62, 63, 100, Lut desert, 8, 10, 24, 34, 212
109, 117, 118, 133–138, 140, 142,
143, 172, 202–204, 208–210, 212,
216, 217, 222, 224, 225, 230, 231, M
241, 242, 245, 248–250, 256, 257, Magnesite, 84, 165–167, 298, 301, 304, 308,
260–263, 266–268, 270–274, 279, 312, 329–331, 492
280, 283, 287, 288, 291, 294, 352, Makran, 2, 24, 26, 53, 54, 102, 108, 110–113,
356, 376, 377, 398, 422, 493, 516 257, 286–288, 290, 293, 315
Feldspar, 163, 164, 170–172, 180, 181, 187, Manganese, 80–85, 88, 90, 92, 95–98, 137,
235, 236, 261, 263, 264, 279, 298, 150, 200, 202, 203, 207, 208,
300, 304, 309, 313, 327–328, 482, 220, 222–224, 235, 236, 240,
512, 513, 532 243, 249, 253, 255, 256, 265,
Fireclay, 82, 84, 124, 177–180, 227, 235, 237, 268, 271, 292, 298, 301, 304,
298, 300, 304, 308, 312 308, 312, 314–316, 371
Fluorite, 82, 83, 115, 117–119, 169, 202, 298, Maragheh, 6, 7, 85, 97, 342, 352, 372, 467
322, 324, 504 Marble, 66, 72, 102, 135, 151, 194–196,
Flysch zone, 52, 54, 161, 286–288, 292 212–217, 222, 226, 227, 232, 234,
Fossil fuels, 199, 298, 307, 330–332, 334, 252, 264, 274, 300, 357, 361,
336–343, 345 364–367, 370–373, 388, 392, 394,
397, 400, 401, 404, 410, 423–425,
429, 430, 433, 435, 444, 445, 447,
G 455, 457, 459, 460, 468, 471–473,
Gas, 25, 26, 75, 200, 294–295, 298, 330–332, 478, 480, 481, 500, 501, 505, 518,
334–340, 342–348, 350 519, 521
Gold, 65, 81, 104, 199, 298, 468 Mercury, 68–70, 77, 85, 133, 134, 141–146,
Gondwana, 2, 3, 5, 202, 207 202, 224, 235, 237, 238, 240, 241,
Granite, 54, 80, 88, 203, 300, 357 280, 282, 286, 288, 291, 298, 480
Grano-diorite, 108, 164, 195, 204, 220, 222, Metallurgy, 66, 74–77, 104
262, 267, 268, 276, 284, 362, 364, Mica, 161–164, 217, 226, 227, 232, 234, 298,
367–370, 388–390, 392, 393, 300, 304, 309, 313, 326, 327, 361,
395–397, 399–401, 403–409, 371, 391, 478, 500–502, 512, 513,
411–418, 420, 421, 424, 427, 437, 515, 533
465, 468–478, 480, 501, 502, 505, Molybdenum, 109–111, 139, 140, 147, 149,
512, 513, 518, 519, 532, 533 150, 220, 222, 224, 253, 270, 271,
280, 282, 283, 291, 293, 298, 301,
316, 317
I Monzonite, 109, 195, 220, 247, 262, 267, 268,
Iranian Plateau, 1–7, 10, 16–22, 29, 34, 66 270, 284, 290, 356, 390, 392, 393,
Iron, 57, 65, 80, 87–95, 200, 298, 356 395, 396, 405, 407, 409, 410, 414,
Iron mineralization, 87, 88, 90, 91, 96, 117, 417, 420–422, 430, 444, 447, 465,
207, 210, 223, 238, 240, 256, 263, 468, 472, 477, 508, 519
271, 282, 286 Mountain, 2, 52, 71, 81, 101, 224, 324
K N
Kaolin, 84, 85, 177–181, 325–326, 482 Nuclear energy, 346–348
Kerogen, 335–336
O
L Oil, 25, 26, 72, 73, 75, 160, 181, 192, 200,
Laurasia, 3, 5, 7, 45, 202 294, 298, 299, 331, 334–348, 350
Lead, 66, 80, 95, 200, 298, 428 Oman Sea, 1, 8, 10, 16, 24–26, 29, 31, 32, 53,
Limestone, 50, 81, 91, 204, 298, 356 148, 353
Index 569
Ophiolite, 53–54, 63, 84, 100–102, 107, 137, Strontium, 166–168, 220, 222, 225,
203, 204, 210, 212, 220, 257, 260, 326–327, 524
356, 371, 377, 381, 383, 385–387, Sulfide, 81, 82, 84, 90, 104, 107, 110, 113,
392, 398–400, 406–411, 413, 415, 114, 117–119, 122, 136, 140,
416, 419–423, 425, 426, 473, 149–151, 209, 210, 224, 235,
514–516 236, 260, 291, 292, 398, 399,
Orogenic belt, 45, 52, 119, 200, 202, 243, 294 402, 404, 409, 411, 412, 419,
422, 424, 427, 430, 433, 450,
455, 469, 477, 518, 519
P Sulfur, 70–72, 120, 193, 241, 268, 270, 271,
Perlite, 85, 189, 298, 300, 304, 309, 313, 328, 279, 298, 335, 520, 530
329, 528 Syenite, 90, 154, 155, 174, 262, 267, 268, 275,
Persian Gulf, 1, 2, 8, 10, 11, 16, 17, 21, 276, 282, 283, 292, 356, 361, 362,
24–26, 29, 31–33, 72, 80, 173, 367, 396, 405, 407, 414, 440, 449,
342, 343, 350 508, 532, 533
Phosphate, 55, 81–84, 148, 149, 153–161,
175, 197, 203, 205, 207, 209, 235,
236, 298, 301, 304, 308, 312, 322, T
323, 486 Talc, 160–161, 235, 236, 257, 293–294, 298,
Porphyry, 57, 80, 105, 203, 316, 357 300, 514, 515, 517
Potash, 174 Titanium, 147–149, 180, 197, 523
Pyrite, 118, 147, 149, 222, 224, 225, 270, 279, Tonalite, 109, 142, 232, 245, 247, 262, 265,
283–286, 298, 362, 363, 396 369, 391, 415, 419, 519
Tootia, 71, 75–76, 114
Tungsten, 82–84, 136, 141, 149–151, 224,
Q 225, 249, 253, 255, 256, 271, 291,
Quaternary sediments, 6 293, 298
R U
Rhenium, 321 Uranium, 88, 146, 147, 152, 197, 209, 210,
298, 336, 348
S
Salt, 2, 71, 81, 88, 204, 298, 530 V
Sanandaj-Sirjan, 47, 51, 60–63, 82–84, 90, Vermiculite, 154, 298, 301, 326
92–96, 99, 100, 115, 133, 135, 138,
150, 160, 169, 175, 176, 190, 191,
195–197, 200, 202, 229, 230, 234, W
237, 243, 249–257, 294 Water, 5, 18, 20, 23, 25–29, 31–34, 42, 43, 75,
Sand, 14, 27, 37, 147, 177, 218, 275, 304, 309, 153, 173, 174, 177, 189, 194
313, 334–336
Schist, 52, 100, 212, 301, 356
Seasons, 10, 12, 16–20, 24–28, 193 Z
Serpentines, 146, 160, 161, 194, 292, 294, Zagros, 5, 6, 8–15, 20–24, 26, 29, 32, 34, 42,
298, 409 43, 47–50, 55, 56, 61–64, 66, 81,
Silica, 81–83, 117, 118, 123, 161, 165, 82, 84, 86, 101, 114, 124–126, 147,
174–177, 182, 236, 252, 253, 261, 153–155, 158, 160, 166, 167,
271, 279, 285, 298, 300, 304, 308, 172–174, 179, 191, 196, 200, 249,
313, 356, 371, 420, 437, 439, 444, 250, 257, 273, 294, 295
474, 477, 500 Zinc silver, 82

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Springer Geology

For further volumes:

The Economic Geology

ISBN 978-94-007-5624-3 ISBN 978-94-007-5625-0 (eBook)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2012951116

© Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht 2013

Printed on acid-free paper

Springer is part of Springer Science+Business Media (www.springer.com)

Apart from noted imperfections, this book presents comprehensive information

1 Nature of Iran and Its Climate ................................................................ 1

1.12 Lakes ................................................................................................ 26

3 History of Mining ...................................................................................... 65

5.5.3 Spatial (Geographical) Distribution of Lead–Zinc

5.18 Celestine (Strontium Sulfate) ........................................................... 166

5.30 Dimension and Ornamental (Decorative) Stones............................. 192

7.5.21 Diatomite .............................................................................. 327

References ........................................................................................................ 543

Knowledge Sources ......................................................................................... 549

Index ................................................................................................................. 567

Abstract This chapter briefly describes Iran’s physical geography, climatic

1.1 Location, Boundaries, and Surface Area

Iran is positioned on the southwest of Asia forming a bridge connecting three

M. Ghorbani, The Economic Geology of Iran: Mineral Deposits 1

1.2 Administrative Division

1.3 Iranian Plateau

Fig. 1.1 Administrative division map of Iran (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Provinces_of_

1.3.1 Trend of Iranian Plateau Transformation

1.4.1 Physiographic Division

1.4.1.1 Arid Climate

1.4.1.2 Severe Semiarid Climate

1.4.1.3 Moderate Semiarid Climate

1.4.1.4 Hot and Dry Mediterranean Climate

1.4.1.5 Warm Mediterranean Climate

1.4.1.6 Moderate Mediterranean Climate

1.4.1.7 Semi-Mediterranean Climate

1.4.1.8 Exerophire Climate

1.4.1.9 Cold Exerophire Climate

1.4.1.10 Cold Steppe Climate

1.5.1 Caspian Floral Province

1.5.2 Zagros Floral Province

1.5.3 Iran’s Central Plateau Floral Province

This province is covered with a type of vegetation considered to be nurturing ground

1.5.4 Southern Coastal Plains Floral Province

1.6 Summarized Facts About Vegetation Cover

1.7 Weather Systems

1.7.1 Air Pressure and Wind Flow in Different Season

Wiickmann (1922) described the low-pressure weather systems in Asia Minor

1.7.3 Average Annual Rainfall

1.7.4 Characteristics of Rainfall in the Iranian Plateau

1.7.5 Genesis of Dry and Wet Weather Cycles

1.10.1 Northern Mountain Ranges

1.10.2 Zagros Mountains

1.10.3 Central Mountains

1.10.4 Eastern Mountains

1.11.1 Caspian Sea

1.11.2 Persian Gulf

1.11.3 Oman Sea (Makran Sea)

1.14.1 Caspian Sea Category

1.14.2 Persian Gulf Category

The most important rivers in this category are as follows:

Fig. 1.2 Zagros area forests (Photographed by Alireza Amrikazemi)

Fig. 1.10 A view of Zayandeh-rud River in Isfahan (Photographed by Mohsen Iranmanesh)

Fig. 1.12 Fist-shaped island in Lake Orumiyeh